During NBC’s Education Nation, reporter Michelle Franzen investigated a new reality facing many schools during the touch economic times- more schools relying on outside funding to motivate both teachers and students.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan states, “this isn't just about education, we are literally fighting for our nation's future here.”
Panelists at the Education Nation Summit included Warren Buffet, who is using some of his wealth to fund early childhood programs for low income students. The Gates Foundation is also funding research to help motivate teachers and students.
How much teachers make is also being considered in the Education Nation debate. On average, teachers bring home about $45,000 a year. ON top of shrinking salaries, school budget cuts are causing many good teachers to leave the profession.
The summit is also concerned about the need to reach children at Pre-K, not just K through 12.
Duncan tells NBC News, "education is an investment not an expense. If you think education is expensive, try ignorance. We have to look cradle to career; we have to invest in early childhood education we have to continue to drive K-12 reform."
Thursday, NBC25 spoke with the founder of W. Salome Tutoring in Flint about what Mid-Michigan families need to do to help American children succeed. You can watch his interview on the video box above.
What do you think is the most important part of education reform the nation needs to focus on? Leave us your ideas here or on the NBC25 Facebook page.
Story Author: Michelle Franzen, NBC News
