Michael Sauers
April 11, 2025
Government, business groups and think tanks talk out of both sides of their mouths when it comes to teachers/education. They will often proclaim the utmost respect, importance and necessity of good teachers and quality education. The benefits and rewards of the aforementioned to almost every aspect of life are regularly expressed. Economic development, science, arts, communication, culture, etc. all depend on a robust education system.
However, teachers/education are systematically undercut and regularly held back. Education, K-12 and beyond are drastically underfunded and boxed in. It is almost like saying that too many very well educated people (meaning that they have been afforded quality opportunities to maximize their potential) is a bad thing, unnecessary. They talk the talk but they do not walk the walk.
How so? Well, I would argue that public education has been/is underfunded. I would also argue that this has been the case ever since our parents, grandparents and yes, great grandparents began demanding that public education be made available. Our forebearers wanted a better life for their children and they realized that quality education was necessary for reaching that goal.
The power elite was not on board with this. An educated, critical thinking and independent citizenry would be difficult to manipulate and control but they had to capitulate. The unwashed and bowed masses had been fighting and dying for hundreds of years. They demanded more than a return to the status quo. Public education got a new lease on life.
So, while the decision makers had to accept public education, they systematically underfunded it. In this case “states rights” won the day including the funding of schools. This was a huge burden for local taxes to support. Class sizes were far too large and to this day they remain so. Up to date buildings, textbooks and supplies were difficult to afford. Teacher training was minimalized along with teacher salaries.
Much of this is true today especially in rural and inner-city schools. States have been required to assist with funding although it is not a priority. In 2022-23, after years of haggling, Pennsylvania had to be dragged into Commonwealth Court for a lesson on the unconstitutional structure of their school funding paradigm. Governor Shapiro and the House and Senate have concocted a multi-year (7-8) plan for adequacy. Meanwhile, students continue to be shortchanged.
I believe the federal government must prioritize education funding. Along with local and state funding, the federal government must step in. Teacher salaries must be significantly raised. Teacher training must be supported. Class size must be reduced. Wow! Where will the funding come from? LEGITIMATE waste and fraud must be eliminated in all areas but especially in Defense. Our military is bloated. We are the police of the world.
Go after tax cheats and evaders. Get rid of corporate welfare. Everyone must help support our Country. Some more than others because, simply put, they are making vast fortunes within our system. There is a fixed number of vastly successful businesses that our economy can support whether they be car manufacturers, airlines, slaughterhouses (disgusting), universities, farms, grocery chains, etc.. The majority of people are workers within the system who deserve a living wage, health care, fairly priced housing, safe working conditions, a clean environment, honest government, etc.. Mostly, all deserve a first class education system because it is the launch pad for everything else.
More to come. Stay tuned.
WOKE!!!!!!!!