A report entitled, "Investing in Our Future: Returning Teachers to the Classroom," released by President Obama over the weekend, says that more than 300,000 education jobs have been lost nationwide since 2009, resulting in larger class sizes, diminished academic offerings and, overall, shortchanging America's students.
In New York state, nearly 36,000 educators' positions have been lost during the same time.
Here is the full report: "Investing in Our Future: Returning Teachers to the Classroom"
Discussing the report during his Saturday address to the nation, Obama cited the negative impact on children of teacher layoffs, namely larger class sizes. He highlighted the noted Tennessee STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio) study, which demonstrated a positive effect on student learning and achievement due to smaller class sizes.
To address this problem, the president said his budget proposal sets aside $25 billion to prevent layoffs and support hundreds of thousands of teachers and other school staff who, in turn, can help students learn and succeed.
"If we want America to lead in the 21st century, nothing is more important than giving everyone the best education possible — from the day they start preschool to the day they start their career," Obama said.
NYSUT's national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, released these statements in support of the president: