In a recent interview about his views on the federal role in education policy, 6th District congressional candidate Mike Croley said the federal government should play a role in helping states boost teacher pay:
We need to stop acting like teachers should be willing to sacrifice their financial security because teaching is their calling. These are educated professionals doing one of the most important jobs in our country, and it’s time we started paying and treating them that way.
I support federal incentives to help states raise teacher pay, expanding student loan forgiveness for educators, and making it easier and more affordable for people to enter the profession. We also need to address burnout, excessive paperwork, and the lack of support teachers receive in their classrooms.
My wife works in our local school system, and my kids attend public schools here in Cumberland County. I see how much our teachers and school employees put into their work, often going above and beyond what their jobs require. We should be doing everything we can to support them, not piling more responsibilities onto their already full plates.
