The upcoming 2024 presidential election holds significant implications for K-12 education, prompting educators to consider which candidates they can trust to elevate the profession and prioritize the needs of schools. However, many teachers remain skeptical.
According to data from the Pew Research Center released in April, a notable 33% or more of teachers express distrust in both major political parties regarding their ability to address crucial education issues. These concerns encompass vital areas such as funding (33%), teacher pay (35%), access to quality education (31%), curriculum development (42%), and school safety (35%).
The political landscape shows that most public school teachers identify as Democrats, with only 35% leaning Republican. This raises questions about whether current presidential candidates can win the support of educators across the nation. The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers’ union in the U.S., endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in July, commending President Biden for his leadership.
“Our students’ future will be shaped by the decisions made in the Oval Office over the next four years, and the future of our public schools, freedoms, and democracy is on the ballot this fall,” stated Becky Pringle, president of the NEA.
Harris’s Commitment to K-12 Education
The NEA’s backing for Harris dates back to her tenure as a U.S. senator in 2017, where she earned an “A” grade based on her support for key education legislation. During her 2020 presidential campaign, she proposed significant reforms, including a $13,500 increase in teacher salaries, universal preschool, and enhanced funding for Head Start programs. More recently, Harris has been instrumental in securing billions in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan to aid schools in their pandemic recovery efforts.
Under the current administration, approximately $167 billion in student loan debt has been canceled, benefiting roughly 4.75 million Americans. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona highlighted that this relief provides essential financial breathing room for many borrowers.
Dale Chu, an independent consultant on education policy, notes that K-12 education is often a contentious issue for Democrats. He suggests that Harris’s approach to education policy would likely align closely with President Biden’s priorities, emphasizing cooperation with teachers’ unions.
Trump’s Project 2025 and Its Implications
Former President Donald Trump’s education platform, known as Project 2025, raises concerns for many educators. This initiative aims to dismantle the Department of Education, shifting control and funding from Washington D.C. to parents and local governments.
Weadé James, senior director for K-12 Education Policy at the Center for American Progress, argues that eliminating the Department of Education jeopardizes essential responsibilities, such as ensuring equitable funding for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). She warns that significant programs like Title I, which support marginalized students, could face severe cuts under this plan.
Chu, however, contends that the GOP has sought to eliminate the Department of Education since its inception. He questions the feasibility of Trump’s plans, suggesting that there is little popular support or political capital for such drastic measures.
The Rise of School Choice
Another critical topic in the election discourse is the burgeoning school choice movement. As of April, at least 29 states have implemented some form of Education Savings Account, allowing parents to use public funds for private schooling. James expresses concern that these policies could undermine public school funding, as they allow parents to divert tax dollars to private institutions.
Additionally, the rise of micro-schools—small, often unregulated educational settings—raises questions about the quality and oversight of education. Without a federal definition, these schools can vary widely in structure and curriculum.
James also highlights the inequities inherent in private school voucher systems, which often fail to cover the full cost of tuition, disproportionately benefiting families with greater financial resources.
Conclusion
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, educators face a pivotal moment in shaping the future of K-12 education. With trust in political leaders wavering, it remains crucial for teachers to advocate for policies that prioritize equitable funding, teacher respect, and the overall quality of education in America.
