Teachers express concern over Trump's plan to eliminate federal role in education

AFT members across the United States are voicing their concerns over former President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating the federal role in education. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has expressed worries about the potential impact on students, particularly those living in poverty, with disabilities, or relying on financial aid.

Randi Weingarten, AFT President, criticized the move as both unpopular and illegal. "As Republican governors at the White House celebrate the dismantling of a federal role in education, our members across the country are worried about the impact this will have on their students," she said. "No one likes bureaucracy, and everyone’s in favor of more efficiency, so let’s find ways to accomplish that. But this isn’t efficiency, it’s evisceration."

Bethany Letiecq from George Mason University described the administration's actions as creating chaos and fear. She emphasized that the Department of Education is crucial for meeting various needs including financial support for college.

Christina Chuderski, an elementary school teacher from Florida, highlighted how vital the Department of Education is for vulnerable students and warned against dismantling it: "We cannot let politicians, unelected billionaires and bureaucrats gut the system that gives every child a fighting chance."

Heather Stambaugh from Ohio noted that closing the department could jeopardize critical funding for students with disabilities and Title I support systems.

Retired educator Sharon Snowton voiced concerns about significant cuts to services in Texas if the department were eliminated. Jennifer Graves from Connecticut pointed out that schools already face funding challenges which would be exacerbated by such a move.

Ternesha Burroughs stressed that losing federal funding would mean losing essential programs for students with disabilities. Robert Castleberry echoed similar sentiments regarding special needs supports.

Michael Brix raised questions about state governments' readiness to handle funds if they no longer receive them from a federal level. Rodney Fresh shared personal anecdotes illustrating how delays in funding affect educational opportunities.

Bill Schwandt warned that any further cuts could erase progress made since previous reductions in Minnesota's education budget.