What recommendations would you make in providing better support for teachers?

The teacher shortage in our school district is more than a local issue. Nationally, there's been a staggering 38% drop in students pursuing teaching careers since 2010. Coupled with historic lows in teacher job satisfaction, the magnitude of this challenge is evident.

As a candidate for the Board of Education, I have signed the Pledge to Support Public Education and our teachers. This pledge signifies my unwavering commitment to the betterment of our education system and to stand by the educators who tirelessly work within it. They represent the very core of our community. To address these challenges, I put forth my vision segmented into two primary pillars: Incentives and Support Systems.

Incentives:

- Competitive Salaries: Fairly compensate our educators, reflecting their dedication and hard work.

- Healthcare & Pensions: Envision reduced healthcare costs and enhanced pension benefits for educators' long-term welfare.

- Campus Environment: Cultivate spaces where safety integrates with respect, ensuring every educator feels genuinely valued.

- Barrier Reduction: Streamline processes to make the teaching profession more inviting for potential educators.

Support Systems:

- Mentorship: Recognize that new educators can draw invaluable insights from both seasoned professionals and experienced peers through structured mentorship.

- Career Development: Define clear growth paths, complemented by affordable and efficient training, to bolster staff satisfaction and progression.

- Leadership Involvement: Amplify every educator's voice, ensuring they actively shape our district's future decisions.

- Well-being Initiatives: Prioritize both mental and physical health in the comprehensive well-being of our educators.

While Gov. Phil Murphy's law to hire retirees offers a temporary solution, my focus is on forging comprehensive, enduring strategies that genuinely support and bolster our educators.

For a deeper understanding of my vision and approach, please visit www.FANG4LBOE.com. For discussions or inquiries, please connect at fang4Lboe@gmail.com. By voting for Fang Gong on Line 2D, you're endorsing a vision of "Excellence, Empathy, Equity."