As American Education Week draws to a close, Nebraska teachers are working to hold on to the gains they have made in the state.
Public school students in Nebraska have some of the highest test scores in the nation. Nearly 75% of students score well above the basic achievement level in math.
However, Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said educators were disappointed when Gov. Jim Pillen opted in to a federal tax credit program allowing public school dollars to be used for private education.
“We were even more disappointed when he really kind of hid from Nebraskans that the federal program actually allows you to make contributions to organizations that support public schools as well as private schools if the governor chooses to let that happen,” Royers noted.
In addition to honoring teachers, parents, and educators, American Education Week also marked the accomplishments of those who support them. Nov. 19 was Educational Support Professionals Day, recognizing paraeducators, skilled trade workers, and health workers who assist the classroom.
Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, said the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education are having a direct effect on the country’s most vulnerable students and teachers.
“Our students with disabilities, our students who come from low-income families,” Pringle outlined. “In particular, our students living in rural areas, where they need the federal government to provide those supports and to provide those people to assist them.”
The administration said it is trying to eliminate waste from the federal budget.
Education Support Professionals Day was first marked in 1987 when the National Education Association announced it would recognize the contributions of all school support staff.
