Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation,

working toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all. On the web at theshmit.org. Across the country, K-12 teachers are prepping classrooms, reviewing lesson plans,

and bracing for another school year that, for some, feels politically and personally charged.

Some of the top issues, the Trump administration's moves to dismantle the Department of Education.

In some districts, immigration officials have shown up at schools, likely contributing to a rise in student absences last spring.

And artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping what teaching and learning look like.

Today, we're discussing what's top of mind for you as you head into the new school year.

And we've heard from some of you already.

I feel like education is under fire and teachers are under fire by our communities due to just the recent climate.

This is going to be my 12th year teaching.

And I have never worked in another industry that is so dysfunctional.

It's absolutely ludicrous that the Trump administration is trying to completely eliminate

the Department of Education. People are leaving in droves. It's just getting worse. The public needs to pay attention and do something.

As a special education teacher, I am concerned about the services that my students will be able to

receive. My parents are frustrated because they are having to navigate some misinformation

that this administration has sent out.

I am concerned that my students' education will be interrupted or affected in some way, as well

as my instructional services.

Thanks for those messages.

I'm Jen White.

You're listening to the 1A podcast.

We'll be back with our panel and your messages in a moment.

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