FUNDING FOR TEACHER TRAINING

WHEREAS, the Congress has provided funds for teacher centers; and

WHEREAS, the combination of decreasing birth rates and budget cuts has resulted in staff reductions in school districts throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, bilingual and special education are among the few areas where there are expanding job oppor­tunities; and

WHEREAS, experienced and highly trained teachers have been laid off, while inexperienced recent college graduates have been hired:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers and its affiliated locals strongly support the inclusion of teacher training components in the areas of bilingual and special education in teacher center proposals; and

RESOLVED, that we urge the American Federation of Teachers to support legislation which would establish opportunities for the retraining of inservice teachers.