In a new report, the National Education Association lays out solutions for addressing the nation’s school staffing shortages, including more competitive pay and benefits, student debt forgiveness, increased funding, mental health resources for staff, and creating better working conditions through collective bargaining agreements and more teacher input into the curriculum and school resources.
The report features several educators, in their own words, discussing how the shortages have affected their students, their colleagues, their schools, and their communities. Among the educators is PSEA member Frances Cortez Funk, who serves as the director of Health Promotion and Alcohol & Other Drug Services at Kutztown University.
“These past few years have been challenging in all levels of education,” said Funk. “Today’s college students are brilliant and resilient, but they have more complicated financial and mental health needs. To meet their needs, we must have a full staff of experts in well-being, including physical and mental health, equity, and inclusion topics. When campuses can’t find or retain those professionals, our students are less likely to succeed and realize their dreams through higher education.”
