Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

During the pandemic, it became increasingly apparent just how vital teachers and school staff are to our nation’s children. Education professionals shifted quickly to a new, emergency mode of schooling while taking on work beyond their traditional roles. The nation collectively saw educators as truly essential workers, with public outcries for higher pay and more respect. Yet when most of the country began to return to schooling (somewhat) as usual, the public outcries were gone. We cannot let this opportunity pass. Our children depend on us to take action that will improve the teaching and school staff professions. Every child deserves to have people in their schools who are welltrained, well-supported and excited to work with them every day. We need an overhaul in all aspects of the profession to ensure people want to enter and stay in school careers. The future of public education depends on it; the future of our democracy depends on it.