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Trump picks Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence; NY lawmakers supported House bill harmful to nonprofits; Report: Chesapeake Bay cleanup deadline looms as officials propose next phase; Michiganders rally at state capital to end prison crisis.

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Trump promises a smooth transition this time. South Dakota Sen. John Thune will lead that chamber's new majority, and one failed bill could be an omen of what a GOP trifecta in Washington will bring.

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An urban vote slump, not the rural electorate, tipped the presidential election. Minnesota voters approved more lottery money to support conservation and clean water. And a survey shows strong broadband lets rural businesses boom.

GA educators warn of escalating teacher crisis amid political rhetoric

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Monday, October 7, 2024   

Educators in Georgia are sounding the alarm about the state of the teaching profession, citing political pressures and low morale as key factors deterring new talent.

With the election less than 30 days away, education has become a central issue for some candidates, from classroom safety to controversial comments by GOP vice-presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio. Vance has criticized people without children for being teachers.

Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, warned such concerns, compounded by the recent school shooting in Winder, have intensified fears the teacher shortage could grow even worse.

"Georgia has about 21,000 vacancies," Turner pointed out. "That's what's posted, in terms of just the teaching personnel. And that's not counting the support personnel that we are in dire need of."

She argued teachers need immediate support with the everyday challenges they face, to help recruit and retain talent. She emphasized the need for leaders with close ties to the classroom who understand these issues and can develop more effective policies.

Grace Miller, a middle school teacher and union member, echoed the concerns. She emphasized schools face critical challenges in ensuring safety for students and staff, and thinks more could be done to mentor teachers in their demanding roles. Miller pointed to policies she thinks would enhance educators' sense of security and well-being.

"Those policies, as far as class sizes, pay, benefits, incentives, programs that can help teachers mentally, they just have to be mandated," Miller contended.

She added that better policies around safety reporting also are needed, as well as ensuring teachers have the right to unionize.

Vickie O'Donnell, a longtime teacher and union member, is convinced teachers' emotional well-being is critical for a healthy education system. She believes a supportive community can foster resilience, enabling them to focus on their students while also inspiring prospective teachers.

"It is very, very fulfilling, if you have a heart for it," O'Donnell explained. "I have a lot of student teachers that come through my classroom and I hope they see the passion in me for it."

O'Donnell emphasized that investing in teachers ultimately benefits students.

Disclosure: The American Federation of Teachers contributes to our fund for reporting on Education, Health Issues, Livable Wages/Working Families, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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