New and existing teachers are getting a boost from the federal government. In August 2010, Congress approved funding for the Education Jobs Fund which will be made available to all states and public school districts. Intended to maintain and increase teaching jobs nationwide, the fund is good news for anyone who aspires to be a teacher or work in the education field.
How the Federal Education Job Fund Works
How the Federal Education Job Fund Works
As the national recession drags on, many local schools districts have felt their budgets pinched by declining property values, reduced state aid or other falling revenue streams. While some schools maintain healthy rainy-day funds that have offset the reduced funding, others have been forced to cut benefits or lay-off workers.
With education as a centerpiece for the Obama Administration, the White House and Education Secretary Arne Duncan encouraged Congress to pass emergency relief to save and support education jobs. Despite some opposition to the size of the fund, the Education Jobs Fund was signed into law on August 10, 2010.
The $10 billion in the fund will be distributed to the states which will in turn pass the money on to local school districts. The amount of money allocated to each state and school district depends on a specific formula included as part of the jobs fund bill.
School districts can then use the money to pay for teacher training, rehire laid-off teacher or hire new personnel. The law included several provisions that ensure money will actually be spent on teaching and education jobs. These include:
- Specific limits on the amount of money used for administrative costs
- Prohibition on the use of money to replenish rainy day funds
- Requirement that states maintain a certain level of funding for school districts
161,000 Education Jobs Saved Nationwide
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Education Jobs Fund will save an estimated 161,000 jobs across the nation. The top five states benefiting with the most jobs saved are:
- California – 16,500
- Texas – 14,500
- Florida – 9,200
- New York – 8,200
- Pennsylvania – 5,900
However, it is not just teaching jobs that will get a boost from the Education Jobs Fund. The bill allows school to use the funds to hire and train individuals in a number of support positions. The only requirement is that positions must entail direct school-based support services.
Education jobs that will benefit from the federal fund include:
- Principals and Teachers
- Instructional Aides
- Guidance Counselors and Social Workers
- Bus Drivers
- Food Service and Custodial Staff
As the money from the Education Jobs Fund is doled out, each state and their local schools districts will make decisions about how to best put the money to use. While nothing is guaranteed, it certainly makes sense for those interested in teaching jobs to keep an eye out for the many employment opportunities that are sure arise from the $10 billion infusion of cash into the education sector.
Maryalene LaPonsie is an accomplished writer who has extensive experience reporting on education, career advancement and workforce development topics. She specializes in sales and marketing consultation as well as general copywriting services.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!