Maryland
Disparate Maryland school board candidates united on teacher shortage concerns – Maryland Matters
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By Micaela Hanson and Sam Barrett
From Maryland’s western panhandle to its Jap Shore — and from the political proper to the left — Maryland’s faculty board candidates agree that the instructor scarcity is without doubt one of the key points they should confront if elected.
“We have to recruit and, particularly, retain lecturers and different employees,” mentioned Linda Murray, who’s working in Washington County. “Persons are leaving for higher-paying, much less disturbing jobs.”
“The best indicator for pupil success is the presence of a high quality instructor within the classroom — that is the best problem going through us in Talbot County,” mentioned Emily Jackson, an Jap Shore candidate.
The nationwide post-pandemic instructor scarcity is a matter all through Maryland for a purpose. The Maryland State Division of Training reported that within the 2021-2022 faculty 12 months, a median of 10% of lecturers didn’t return.
That statistic explains why Maryland faculty board candidates who replied to a Capital Information Service survey largely agreed that they should do one thing in regards to the instructor scarcity if elected. Many say increased instructor salaries are an apparent answer.
A statewide dilemma
In Maryland and plenty of faculty districts throughout the nation, job postings for instructor positions are prolonged — and faculty board candidates mentioned they fear the lists will develop longer nonetheless. Many faculty board candidates say instructor morale is working on empty following the COVID-19 pandemic, and pay usually doesn’t function motivation.
As of Aug. 15, nearly each county reported a minimum of one instructor emptiness. Prince George’s County reported probably the most, at 900 vacancies. Baltimore Metropolis reported 240 vacancies.
Within the Capital Information Service survey, of the 21 Maryland counties plus Baltimore Metropolis during which candidates participated, 15 had a minimum of one candidate that cited instructor retention/recruitment as some of the vital points going through their faculty board.
April Christina Curley, who’s working in Baltimore Metropolis, mentioned it is very important rent certified educators and hold them on employees for the long run as a result of it helps town’s college students. If the district has a lot of skilled lecturers, “we all know that our kids will reap the advantages in very tangible, measured methods,” she mentioned.
Diane Alvarez, a candidate in Harford County’s District F, mentioned that when lecturers determine to depart, it creates chaos within the classroom. To foster extra stability, she mentioned, the varsity board wants to enhance instructor retention and work out why lecturers are leaving.
“For me, in search of a place on the varsity board, that’s one of many first questions I need to know,” Alvarez mentioned in an interview.
Charles County reported 194 instructor vacancies on the finish of the 2021-2022 faculty 12 months, which means that 10% of educating positions had been vacant. 4 of the 9 candidates from Charles County who answered the survey mentioned the county must deal with instructor retention and rising instructor salaries.
“We have to make lecturers and employees really feel revered and motivated to show and stay in Charles County,” mentioned candidate Yonelle Moore Lee.
Quite a lot of options
Whereas candidates are united of their perception that instructor retention and recruitment are issues, they provide a wide range of concepts for addressing them. Some hope new state laws will resolve them, however others have totally different concepts.
The state not too long ago adopted the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, laws that goals to enhance the standard of schooling in Maryland by rising funding $3.8 billion annually for a decade. Every Maryland county is chargeable for domestically implementing the coverage, and the Blueprint’s accountability board will oversee this course of.
The Blueprint features a part on instructor salaries that goals to incentivize present lecturers to stay in place. It additionally goals to make instructor compensation extra similar to different fields with related schooling necessities.
By 2024, the Blueprint will initially improve instructor salaries by 10% earlier than a minimal wage of $60,000 is required by July 1, 2026.
Because of this, some board candidates noticed the Blueprint because the be-all, end-all answer to the schooling points going through the state.
“A very powerful situation is the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” mentioned David Plotts, who’s working in Wicomico County’s District 4.
But for different candidates, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is just not the tip of the dialogue on lecturers’ salaries. Some mentioned that rising salaries is one of the best ways to retain employees, and the Blueprint solely begins to handle the wage situation.
Curley, the Baltimore candidate, mentioned faculty boards should make big-time investments to maintain educators within the classroom.
“Bringing in certified educators and dealing to maintain them within the classroom would require a drastic and radical dedication from the varsity board to considerably improve the bottom wage for lecturers with alternatives for achievable efficiency bonuses, providing a manageable workload with supportive directors,” she mentioned.
Howard County candidate Jacky McCoy mentioned one other potential answer is the “develop your personal” instructor program, during which colleges intention to recruit present college students and neighborhood members as future lecturers.
Alvarez famous that the state, in planning for the Blueprint for Maryland’s future, discovered that many lecturers go away the occupation after two years — “with no knowledge as to why.”
She mentioned faculty districts must do analysis to reply that query and to forestall lecturers from leaving.
“Interview every instructor, directors and employees to find out expectations,” she mentioned. “Make use of expectation administration (a administration instrument that goals to maintain employers and staff in sync when it comes to objectives) in areas wanted and monitor instructor wants when it comes to assets and psychological well being.”
The difficulty of instructor shortages transcends ideological traces. Alvarez worries that important race principle is being taught in her county colleges and that sexually express materials needs to be faraway from faculty libraries.
And but on the instructor recruitment and retention situation, she agrees with Montgomery County Board of Training Vice President Karla Silvestre, who praises the “anti-bias and anti-racist curriculum” within the county colleges and who trusts librarians to determine which books needs to be allowed in class libraries.
”Now we have to recruit and retain the perfect expertise to work with our college students,” mentioned Silvestre, who’s working for re-election to an at-large board seat. “Nice lecturers and principals change lives and remodel colleges.”
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Maryland
University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7
![University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7 University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/937564c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5312x2789+0+100/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2F61%2F70999d9446deb2038878edb3108f%2Fumd-administration-building-2015-1.jpg)
University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.
The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.
This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.
The announcement cancels both of these events.
“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”
This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.
“The intent is not to abridge students’ right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students. Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. That’s the premise—and the promise—of higher education.”
-University System of Maryland Statement
SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”
It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”
University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus
The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.
“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.
“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”
In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”
The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.
The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”
The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”
At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.
Maryland
Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024
![Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024 Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Maryland-1.jpg)
Pro Tip
Ensure that your prospective college offers globally recognized credentials if you plan to further your education or practice internationally.
Consider Your Future Goals
Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.
If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.
However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.
If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.
Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:
- Complete the FAFSA®
- Apply for institutional scholarships
- Take a private student loan
- Enroll in a work-study program
- Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program
Maryland
Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll
![Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/09/03/38829637-9a7e-4385-b9c4-1dab1e5eb53d/thumbnail/1200x630/828b5ff2405662f3f8e86587e46507f2/maryland.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
BALTIMORE – With a little more than two months until election day, the majority of Marylanders surveyed in the new Gonzales Poll would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for president.
A total of 820 registered voters in Maryland who indicated they are likely to vote in the 2024 general election were queried for the poll by live telephone interviews, utilizing both landline and cellphone numbers between August 24 and August 30.
A cross-section of interviews was conducted throughout the state, reflecting Maryland’s general election voting patterns, the pollster said.
The Gonzales Poll stated that “the margin of error, per accepted statistical standards, is a range of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and if the entire population was surveyed, there is a 95% probability that the true numbers would fall within this range.”
Presidential survey
According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders surveyed said they would vote for Harris over Trump for president.
The poll says 84% of Democrats support the Harris/Tim Walz ticket and 80% of Republicans support the Trump/JD Vance ticket. Also, 83% of Black voters polled would vote for Harris/Walz.
Among the independents, 38% favor Harris/Walz and 36% prefer Trump/Vance, according to the poll.
Gov. Moore’s approval gets a bump
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who led the state’s response to the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, has the approval of 64% of Marylanders surveyed. Moore has a 35% “mostly soft approval” among Republicans who were surveyed (7% strongly approve, 28% somewhat approve),” the poll shows.
His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzales Poll in the winter.
Last month, the governor spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, who was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
He framed Harris’ candidacy as “the story of a prosecutor who defended our freedoms and had Maryland’s back when we needed it most. And now MVP: We’ve got yours.”
President Biden’s approval
The Gonzales Poll shows that 53% of Maryland voters surveyed approve of the job President Joe Biden is doing, while 45% disapprove. Seventy-six percent of the Democrats believe Biden is doing a good job in office, and 84% of Republicans disagree.
State transportation and juvenile reform
According to the poll, 95% of Marylanders think it is “important for the State to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure.”
And, when it comes to juvenile crime, voters were asked, “What type of laws, in your opinion, ultimately better help our children under 18 who commit crimes – Laws that are strict, which include things such as juvenile detention and boot camps. This hold individuals responsible and accountable for their behavior; or Laws that are lenient, which include social programs and counseling. This recognizes that society is responsible for much of this behavior?”
The poll shows that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which holds juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient.
“A majority of nearly every demographic group backs strict laws to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and to best assist our juvenile offenders ultimately realize at least a chance at a successful, happy life,” the poll said.
Is the country going in the right direction?
Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to the poll, 93% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the right direction are voting for Harris/Walz, and 70% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the wrong direction are voting for Trump/Vance.
In the previous poll, 41% of voters said the country was headed in the right direction.
“The mood of voters in Maryland vis-à-vis how they perceive things overall going in the country is a tad less grumpy than it was in winter,” the Gonzales Poll said.
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