Editorials: Teacher Exodus - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorials: Teacher Exodus

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, June 13 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-13 23:20:09 GMT
    Summertime is sun, fun, beaches, mountains, swimming pools, golf courses and yes for those in school, a break. But it can also be a special time to create lasting memories for families with children around
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  • Tuesday, June 11 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-11 23:20:09 GMT
    The recent Map the Meal Gap report issued by Feeding America highlighted what we at the Montgomery Area Food Bank have been witnessing over the past several years- more families than ever are in need of
    The recent Map the Meal Gap report issued by Feeding America highlighted what we at the Montgomery Area Food Bank have been witnessing over the past several years- more families than ever are in need of

  • Thursday, June 6 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-06 23:20:03 GMT
    We think it's important to share and comment on analysis made by reputable organizations regarding important issues that affect Alabamians.  The Rand Corporation, as reported by WSFA 12 News earlier this
    We think it's important to share and comment on analysis made by reputable organizations regarding important issues that affect Alabamians.  The Rand Corporation, as reported by WSFA 12 News earlier this
    •   
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

This week the Governor's office said there isn't a need for a special session of the Legislature to address the looming retirement of thousands of teachers.  The RSA predicts 1,800 to 2,000 teachers will retire on December 1st to avoid higher health insurance costs.

The Governor's office went on to say there is a solution to this.  Indeed there are solutions but no guarantees.  Under the state's retirement rules, teachers can go ahead with plans to retire on December 1st and become substitute teachers for the month of December or they can suspend their retirement and return to their classrooms on January 1st on temporary teaching contracts through the end of the school year. 

Here's the issue – what's the plan IF those that have already raised their hand to retire don't like either of these options? What is our back up plan?  Since we will not be convening a special session to come up with alternatives we need to know what we are going to do if – worst case scenario – none of the teachers respond to these options.  That could mean 1,800 plus classrooms short a teacher before the Christmas break and local school officials scrambling for qualified substitutes. 

We need to put this issue back on top of the pile and get MORE proactive solutions in place to guard against the unknown and serve the needs of our school children.

We appreciate and encourage your feedback.

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