HARRISBURG, Pa. - Multi-million dollar deficits in school districts around Pennsylvania and the nation have thousands of teachers worried about their jobs. However, teachers aren't the only school employees whose jobs are on the line.
Jim Testerman, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), points out that paraprofessionals also are at risk. These people handle any number of duties, from teaching kids to read to helping teachers handle children with emotional issues, he says.
"For example, when you lay that person off, the teacher has no choice but to stop instruction and deal with the emotional needs of a child, and the other students in the classroom don't get instruction for that period of time."
Testerman says paraprofessionals also serve in unexpected positions.
"In communities where violence threatens to creep into schools, you get educational support professionals who are responsible for school safety. There are all kinds of unintended consequences when you try to eliminate these positions."
Testerman says his group backs legislation that would provide $23 billion to fund state and local education jobs, support staff included.
"Where we land - whether we invest in education in Pennsylvania or we cut education in Pennsylvania - will make a huge difference in whether or not school districts have the resources to maintain these positions and these services."
School districts say they have no choice but to cut back staff as they try to balance their books. PSEA estimates as many as 3,000 teachers and support staff could be laid off or furloughed this year.
More information is available from the Pennsylvania State Education Association, 800-944-7732.
Tom Joseph
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