In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, here’s a look at some of the many ways Trump and DeVos have failed to show appreciation for teachers and only made their jobs more difficult:<\/p>\n
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Trump’s budget calls for drastic cuts to the Education Department and the wholesale elimination of critical programs. <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Washington Post<\/a>: “The proposal also calls for slashing the Education Department’s budget and devoting more resources to career training, at the expense of four-year colleges and universities. The proposal would cut $3.6 billion — about 5 percent — from the Education Department by eliminating several discretionary programs<\/strong>, including one that funds after-school activities for needy children and another that covers teacher training.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Washington Post<\/a>: “The budget cuts 29 programs at the Education Department, many of which are designed to help needy children<\/strong> — including after-school activities to keep kids off the street and a grant program for college students with ‘exceptional financial need.’ Trump’s plan also gets rid of a tuition initiative that makes college affordable for underprivileged D.C. residents, who don’t have access to strong in-state universities.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Trump’s budget cuts billions of dollars from teacher training programs.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Atlantic<\/a>: “Two programs would see the steepest cuts: Title II—used in part to recruit and retain teachers and support principals—and the 21st Century Learning Centers block grants, which pay for enrichment programs during non-school hours, particularly in high-poverty communities.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Education Week<\/a>: “In order to achieve those proposed spending cuts, the president copied two major education cuts he proposed last year: the elimination of Title II teacher grants and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Those two cuts combined would come to about $3.1 billion from current levels. Overall, 39 discretionary programs would be cut, eliminated, or ‘streamlined<\/strong>.’”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Trump’s budget slashes funding for programs that help prevent violence in schools and provide support to students and teachers in the aftermath of school shootings.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Politico<\/a>: “The budget request calls for a $25 million reduction in funds designated for national school safety activities, compared with 2017.<\/strong> President Donald Trump's budget would eliminate altogether a $400 million grant program that districts can use, for example, to prevent bullying or provide mental health assistance.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Politico<\/a>: “The Trump budget would eliminate ‘project prevention grants’ as part of its proposal that would cut $25 million in national school safety activities. Those grants have directed millions to school districts with pervasive violence to help pay for activities like counseling and conflict resolution<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While visiting Parkland, DeVos doubled down on Trump’s proposal to put guns in schools and arm teachers.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n CNN<\/a>: “Betsy DeVos Defends Proposal To Arm Some Teachers After Parkland Visit.”<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ABC News<\/a>: “Asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt if arming teachers could solve the problem, Education secretary Betsy DeVos said states ‘clearly have the opportunity and the option’ to allow teachers who’ve had weapons training to carry guns on campus<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DeVos insulted teachers by claiming they were in “receive mode.”<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n