There are so many things I don’t understand in this world. Why can’t we do something about North Korea? Why are all the bees dying? How did I miss knowing about “Jon & Kate Plus Eight” until last week? None of these things, however, are nearly as confusing as student loans.Click here for the rest of her piece, touring the current federal battles over student loans with special mention of Kentucky's Best in Class troubles.
Surprised by the national interest in the Kentucky story? I'm not. Teachers and nurses are being crushed by $100 million in debt they were told would be cancelled. That's genuine news, folks.
I was just reading this and thought "I should send this to the Prichard Committee folks". As usual, you're already on the case. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to this particular issue, this is a broken contract, pure and simple. Imagine if we did this to other folks in society, like soldiers or fireman. Promise them something for their committment then not deliver. It would be quite a scandal, but as is too often the case, teachers don't get the respect they deserve.
Todd
I am a science teacher in "small town" KY who miraculously was able to escape a life of poverty & obtain a degree in Biology thanks to the Best in Class program. A great majority of my loans were forgiven thanks to the program...having parents that were high school dropouts & being the 1st in my family to attend college was made possible b/c of the program. After teaching high school science for 10 years, including AP classes, I am saddened by the fact that I have ended up in a profession that seems hopeless for future quality individuals in the field. Our state requires us to obtain an extra degree once hired & then offers no help now in repayment. The small raise for completion is a smack in the face for the work, effort & time away from family that it requires.
ReplyDeleteMy husband of over ten years chose four years ago to leave the field of law enforcement & enter enducation after volunteering locally as a football coach for years & to allow more time w/our family. We now are handicapped by $60,000 in student loans. He entered the field of special education with the hopes that his loans, like mine, would be forgiven. HA! Now with his required master's degree bill we have no hope of saving for our own 3 childrens' education. As teachers, we spend the majority of our time caring for the children of the public & take great pride in that...meanwhile, our own children will suffer in the future b/c of our choice. So sad we have already made our decision. I would never advise future generations to do the same. I fear my own children will suffer as well as their teachers will become less & less qualified b/c of the unfortunate expense of the degree.