The Brian Lehrer Show 'Teacher By Teacher'
Jun 4, 2025
John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of SUNY and former U.S. Education Secretary, shares insights from his book, 'Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.' He discusses the vital role teachers play in shaping student lives and the potential fallout of eliminating the Education Department. King emphasizes education as a pathway to opportunity and critiques funding cuts impacting vulnerable students. He also highlights the transformative power of inspired educators and touches on policies affecting international students at American colleges.
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Federal Role Ensures Equity
- The U.S. has a deep tradition of education as a vehicle for upward mobility and national progress.
- Federal involvement, like enforcing desegregation, ensures vulnerable students gain equitable access.
Cuts Threaten Vulnerable Students
- The Trump administration's plan would cut key federal education programs like Title I and Pell Grants.
- These cuts will harm vulnerable students by increasing class sizes and reducing college affordability.
Culture Wars Threaten Education
- The federal government is barred from mandating curriculum; those decisions are local.
- Attacks on teaching truthful history are part of dangerous culture wars harming democracy.