Ahead of Linda McMahon’s hearing to become the next Secretary of the Department of Education, teachers are voicing concerns that the future of public education is at risk. The 2024 state teachers of the year, including De’Shawn C. Washington from Massachusetts, are worried that the department’s potential dismantling will harm vulnerable students.
Washington, who was honored as his state’s teacher of the year, expressed heartache over the possibility of dismantling the department, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in children.
“This is a great opportunity to invest even more in our children right now, instead of retracting,” Washington said, stressing the need to nurture students for a better future.
McMahon’s Role in Potential Department Changes
President Donald Trump has prepared an executive order to abolish the Department of Education, requiring Congress to pass legislation to eliminate it. McMahon, if confirmed, is expected to carry out Trump’s policies, including advocating for business-driven solutions to reduce government spending.
However, educators like Jeff Keller from Virginia fear that eliminating the Department of Education will reduce protections for students, particularly those with disabilities or from minority backgrounds. Keller emphasized that the department plays a crucial role in safeguarding students’ civil rights and ensuring equitable educational opportunities.
“Whether that’s students with disabilities having the ability to get into the building… whether that’s safeguarding racial minorities to make sure educational outcomes are equitable for them.”
The Impact on Students and Schools
Teachers worry that dismantling the department could lead to fewer resources for students and less oversight of schools. Jessica May, the 2024 Teacher of the Year from Colorado, voiced concerns about students’ basic needs not being met if the department is abolished.
Many educators also fear that school vouchers and privatization could widen the achievement gap, benefitting wealthier communities while harming public schools. Zach Arenz, New York’s Teacher of the Year, predicted increased class sizes and fewer educators if public education suffers.
“If our public education system isn’t successful, there is no future,” Arenz said.
Challenges to Abolishing the Department
While McMahon’s confirmation could move forward Trump’s agenda, the dismantling of the Department of Education cannot happen without congressional approval. Experts, such as Clare McCann from American University, explain that it would require 60 votes in the Senate to eliminate the department legally.
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McMahon’s Business Background
Although McMahon, a business executive and former wrestling mogul, has no extensive background in education, she earned a teaching certification before transitioning to the business world. Supporters argue her business mindset could help streamline the department.
However, critics like Eric Jenkins of Indiana argue that the purpose of education is to create opportunities for all students, not to generate profit. Jenkins stressed the importance of keeping public education focused on societal benefits rather than treating schools as businesses.
Conservative Views on McMahon’s Leadership
Some conservatives, like Rep. Burgess Owens, believe McMahon’s business background makes her well-suited to create innovative solutions for students. However, opponents such as Keller believe the Department of Education should be run with a mindset that prioritizes public schools as the backbone of society, not as a corporate entity.
“Schools don’t exist for the benefit of teachers or students: They exist for the benefit of society,” Keller said.
The debate continues as McMahon prepares for her hearing and the future of the Department of Education hangs in the balance.
