Reporter’s Note
Have teachers or administrators quit at your school already this year? Are you worried about colleagues who might quit or are struggling? You might not be alone – 32 teachers resigned in Hamilton County by fall break this year. I would love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to reach out to mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or call 407-864-8484.
– Meghan
THIS WEEK IN EDUCATION NEWS
This week, educators and public education supporters are discussing what drives teachers to leave the classroom.
Are they leaving one district to teach in another? Is it the pay or the long hours? Is it due to unruly students?
Some in Hamilton County have continued to argue that increased student behavior problems have contributed to the more than 30 resignations across the district in the first quarter of the school year.
Though district officials say the rise of teacher resignations “is concerning,” they also have a plan.
Many of those say educators are also organizing ahead of the 2020 election season.
The organization Hamilton County United has recently launched a Facebook page and claims it is a place where “Hamilton County teachers and staff [are] working to unite the leaders of our community and our profession.”
Though the organization hasn’t announced an official political affiliation or a specific agenda other than raising teacher pay, many have talked about creating a political action committee and otherwise organizing teachers after this spring’s votes by the Hamilton County Commission to deny additional funding for public education.
Next Monday, Nov. 11, the nation will honor those who have served the country. Annually, the Times Free Press recognizes veterans through the 21-Veteran Salute project. Stay tuned for profiles of veterans in the classroom and other stories about how colleges and universities are supporting student veterans in the coming days. You can view the profiles as they roll out each day here.