February 4th 2024.
In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona discussed the ongoing teacher shortage in the nation. He stated that this issue is a reflection of a larger problem with the lack of respect for teachers in the country, which is evident in their low salaries. During a Power Up summit hosted by the White House Initiative for Black Americans at the College of Charleston on Feb. 1, Cardona pointed out that many teachers have to take on additional jobs, such as driving for ride-sharing apps or working in food service, in order to make ends meet.
South Carolina is not immune to this issue, with starting salaries for teachers only around $38,000 or $39,000. As Cardona noted, this essentially sends the message that teachers need to find other sources of income. He emphasized the need for more respect and support for teachers in order to retain them in the profession.
The pandemic has only worsened the teacher shortage, with 730,000 local public education jobs lost. However, the federal government is providing support through programs such as the American Rescue Plan and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds, with the goal of addressing the shortage and the lack of diversity in the teaching profession.
Cardona also stressed the importance of diversifying the teaching profession, especially in relation to the student population. He acknowledged that the number of diverse teachers, particularly those from Black and Brown communities, is significantly lower than the number of diverse students. To address this, the Education Department is working with minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to recruit and support more teachers of color.
In addition to the teacher shortage, Cardona also discussed the Administration's efforts to reduce or eliminate student loans for borrowers, particularly for Black borrowers who are disproportionately impacted. He highlighted the SAVE plan, which caps interest on loans and provides relief for public servants, many of whom are people of color.
However, the Secretary expressed frustration with the Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, which aimed to address the racial wealth gap. This plan would have provided up to $20,000 in debt relief for eligible students, a majority of whom are Black. Despite this setback, Cardona reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to addressing student debt and the disproportionate impact it has on Black and Brown communities.
The Power Up series, which is being held in various cities throughout the spring and summer, is another initiative by the White House Initiative on Black Americans to directly engage with and provide resources to Black communities. According to Executive Director Alexis K. Holmes, this series serves as a platform to inspire, inform, and innovate, and to address issues such as access to federal resources.
As the interview came to a close, Secretary Cardona reminded readers of the importance of supporting and uplifting teachers, especially in Black and Brown communities. He also encouraged the community to continue advocating for student loan relief and addressing the racial wealth gap. The fight for educational equity and respect for teachers is ongoing, but the current Administration is committed to making progress and providing support where needed.
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