The best business investment Oklahoma can make is into our schools
An open letter to the Oklahoma State Legislators from the Oklahoma Education Association President, Katherine Bishop:
Oklahoma has been facing an educational staff shortage for years. Local districts and the state legislature have tried to come up with creative solutions to address the issue, but today the shortage is rapidly approaching a full-blown crisis.
As school starts, we have seen record numbers of openings throughout the state. Part of the problem of understaffing stems from approximately 25% fewer prospective educators graduating from state teacher preparation programs compared to 10 years ago. Further, certified teachers have left our profession before they are eligible to retire. Over 90% of Oklahoma children attend public schools; if we allow these trends to continue, they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of our inaction. The parents and students of Oklahoma’s public schools deserve better.
In the last legislative session, we saw leaders attempt to ease the shortage. The legislature eliminated a redundant certification exam, developed a new teacher scholarship and incentive pay program, and created an opportunity for career teachers to gain further certifications that come with a pay increase. Many of our local districts are also giving stipends to returning teachers and/or awarding new hires with signing bonuses. To be clear: our leaders who value public education in Oklahoma are desperately trying to address this ongoing issue. But their efforts, no matter how well intentioned and diligent, are falling short as more teachers walk away and fewer prospective teachers arrive to replace them.
We also cannot forget that our buildings only run with the help of our support staff including substitute teachers, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, etc. Many districts have on-going issues recruiting and retaining support personnel. Because of this, schools have had to combine multiple classes, periodically shut down extra cafeterias, or consolidate bus routes. All employees in our schools deserve support to provide the best learning environment for our children.
Last session, the legislature passed a historic package of incentives to try to lure Panasonic into building a manufacturing plant in Oklahoma. This was touted as a generational investment that would create jobs and improve the lives of Oklahomans. What would be the most impactful investment that would affect all communities across Oklahoma, would be to invest in the largest workforce in the state: public education.
The OEA calls on the legislature to repurpose some of the $698,000,000 earmarked for Panasonic or utilize a portion of the State’s 2.8 billion dollar savings to help combat the Oklahoma educational staff shortage. This investment will help provide students the resources they need and school staff the respect and pay that they deserve. If we want to attract business and become a top ten state, we must fund our schools at a level equal to surrounding states. A strong economy is dependent on a well-educated workforce.
– Katherine Bishop, OEA President
For more information, contact Monica Royer, communications specialist, at mroyer@okea.org or (405) 523-4355
