Government : Update From the Iowa Capitol

THANK YOU, TEACHERS!

What do teachers want? They want support to continue in the profession they love and to offer the best-possible education to all students.

Teachers want the supplies they need to do their job. They want smaller classes so that they can give each student personalized attention. They want respect and appreciation. They want better wages so that they can care for their families. They want lawmakers to work with them-not against them.

That's some of what teachers had to say when the National Education Association asked them to share what they most needed and what would make them feel most appreciated-especially after two extremely difficult years for the profession.

As Iowa's teacher workforce crisis deepens, it's more important than ever that our local schools attract and keep the best and brightest.

Iowa ranks 39 out of 50 in public school funding per student. That's well below the national average, as are Iowa's starting teacher salaries. Educators often pay out of their own pockets for items that should be covered by the school-classroom supplies, paper, snacks, books, educational toys, first aid kits and more.

I've pushed for additional school funding to ensure smaller class sizes, competitive salaries and benefits, and the resources necessary to cover the rising costs of equipment, materials, utilities and busing. This year, I supported funding that will allow our schools to address many long-standing needs, and to send the message that we value teaching and learning.

Unfortunately, the private school voucher plan and the increasing burdens on educators are driving many teachers out of the classroom-stressed out and demoralized. And not enough qualified new teachers are entering the field to replace them.

I hope you'll join me in showing our teachers how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication to preparing our future leaders. Let's give them what they need: respect and support, strong education funding, and good wages and benefits.