A new investigation examines why states prioritize funding for schools in ways that often fail to support teachers—the profession widely regarded as the backbone of education. Despite repeated calls for better pay, working conditions, and resources, many states allocate budgets in ways that leave educators under-resourced while still expecting high academic performance. The analysis explores how policy decisions, funding disparities, and systemic neglect contribute to a growing teacher shortage crisis. Critics argue that if teachers are truly the most critical factor in student success, their treatment should reflect that priority.
If Teachers Are the Most Important Thing, Why Don’t States Act Like it? The 74
