There’s been a lot of discussion about a “teacher shortage” recently. As an educator, I wanted to talk to you about why that is.

Despite our growing population and, consequently, growing class sizes, our education system constantly sees budget cuts at all levels. Whether that’s cuts to teachers' pay, school bus routes, or necessary counselors for students, the GOP has shown no restraint in putting our children’s futures on the chopping blocks and lining their own pockets.

Our educators are grossly underpaid – I am speaking from experience here. How underpaid? Well, let me share this staggering finding from the Economic Policy Institute: There is not a single state in the nation where teachers earn a competitive wage when compared to other college-educated workers.

In Virginia, our educators earn 31.3% less than other college-educated workers. That’s one of the lowest paid wages in the country. 

Every day, we have to reaffirm our commitment to public schools and to Virginia’s students. Stand with me in defending our Democratic-held Senate. Donate now.

Teacher pay is critical to ensuring Virginia can remain competitive in our hiring process, address our teacher shortage, provide the best educators to our students, and build a future where no child is left behind.

As an educator and a legislator, I am committed to ensuring Virginia’s teachers and students are always put first, that any harmful policy Governor Youngkin or his GOP cronies introduce is met with the firmest ‘nay’ vote, and that we create equitable opportunities for all Virginians.

We have enough career politicians lining their pockets – we need more educators who have first-hand experience of what our teachers are struggling with on the ground. Please help me continue this critical work by chipping in a generous contribution here.

Let’s do this,

Senator Ghazala Hashmi

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