Post-pandemic life has presented a variety of changes to our world. From shifts in workplace culture to changes in the entertainment industry, the United States and its culture look very different today than how it looked three years ago. Some of these changes have presented unprecedented challenges, which our educational system has not been fortunate enough to avoid. Or rather, we as a country and government have failed to equip our schools with the resources necessary to deal with these challenges.

Recent reports have shown that, coming out of quarantine, young children are exhibiting drastically lower scores in multiple subjects. Reading and math proficiency have taken a drastic downturn, despite improvements that have held steady over the previous 30 years. These findings have been observed across the nation, regardless of how a particular state handled the pandemic. 

Our children are falling behind everywhere, no matter what a state’s politics may be. This is not a red-or-blue political issue. It is a nationwide crisis resulting from our unwillingness to lend support to our educational system.

Only 34% of teachers feel that their profession and contributions to this country are valued. It isn’t too hard to see why. Teachers earn less than most private sector workers, despite the fact that their services are crucial to the health of our society. A huge factor that teachers have reported when asked why they have decided to leave the classroom is the lack of support from the government. 

Year after year, our teachers dedicate themselves to educating our youth. They are asked to contribute significant time and effort outside of working hours. They are additionally tasked with child-rearing responsibilities. What do we offer in return for their efforts? Unfair wages and a growing sense of ingratitude.

How are the children of the United States meant to regain lost ground if even their teachers are losing hope? Across the country, qualified teachers are leaving the public education sector because our government refuses to put its money where its mouth is and give them the resources they need to keep teaching. 

If we do not remedy this problem with our educational system, the results will be catastrophic. Already, 825 million children around the world are not receiving proper education and are expected to lack the skills they need in order to function in the labor market. If we wish to prevent social and economic disaster in our country, it is time we finally placed some value on our teachers and schools. Whether it be a labor shortage or a teacher shortage, neither crisis will end if we are not able to get our priorities straight.