James_Jan-Feb_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 84
VOUCHER ACCOUNTABILITY
Voucher programs must be
held to the same standards as public schools. Currently, vouchered
schools are not required to employ
certified teachers, provide special
education services, or administer
standardized testing. This undermines the profession and devalues
the work of educators who meet
these requirements every day. Accountability ensures fairness and
protects the integrity of teaching.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
Georgia defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10 percent
or more of school days. While
attendance is often framed as a
student issue, it directly impacts
educators. Teachers cannot build
momentum, deliver lessons effectively, or measure progress
when classrooms are half-empty.
Solutions under discussion range
from local committees to stronger
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JAMES JANUA RY /F E B RUA RY 2 02 6
Every issue—
from teacher
retention to
safety, literacy,
funding and
attendance—
comes down
to educators.
consequences such as loss of driver’s licenses or sports eligibility.
Long-term progress will depend
on ensuring schools and educators
have the resources to manage the
instructional challenges absenteeism creates.
For educators, chronic absenteeism means re-teaching the same
lesson so many times it starts to
feel like a Netflix series with too
many reruns.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Every issue— from teacher
retention to safety, literacy, funding,
vouchers and attendance— comes
down to educators. If there is no
one to teach, students have no
chance to learn. The choices we
make in the legislature and in our
communities must prioritize the
professionals who make education
possible. By standing with educators, we secure the future of Georgia’s schools.
Tana Page is co-founder and President
of Educators First, a professional education nonprofit group, headquartered in
Kennesaw. Educators First umbrella also
includes Educators First Foundation and
Educators First PAC.
