I think people sometimes forget that teachers are not the only staff being laid off. I have been both a teacher and a counselor. Counseling elementary students is my current position.

 I received a pink slip, the first in my 37-year career in education. I know the essential part that teachers play in the education of our nation's children, but I also know that in my role as counselor I can make it possible for students to learn and take advantage of the opportunities given to them by their teachers.

I believe that I make an even bigger difference in the lives of children who are severely depressed, anxious, or in a stressful home situation. Because so few mental health services are available in rural areas of California, a school counselor may be the only psychological support for these children. I believe that we should recognize the value of support personnel as we lament the continued cuts in education. -- Kevin P.

KEEP THE PRESSURE ON!

This week, Congress received more than 20,000 calls from educators, parents, and concerned citizens about the urgent need to keep educators working and students learning. But the fight continues.

Congress will be in recess the week of May 31. When it returns, the House Appropriations Committee is poised to act on a bill that includes $23 billion in emergency funding to help save the jobs of hundreds of thousands of educators.

We need your help to keep build support and keep the pressure on:   

• Contact Members of Congress back home. Members of Congress will be returning home for the Memorial Day recess. Call the local district office and let your Representative know how important an education jobs fund is to your school and your community. Check the Member's website to see if he/she is holding a town hall meeting where you can speak up for education and kids.

• Keep the calls coming! You can still call 1-866-608-6355 to contact your Representative in Congress. You will hear talking points and will be connected to the United States Capitol Switchboard -- ask for your House Member. Tell your Representative that public education faces a budget catastrophe and that he/she should support including funding to save education jobs in the emergency funding bill (known as the "emergency supplemental" funding bill).

To keep up on the latest and support the effort:

• E-mail your Members of Congress to support funding to save education jobs in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.

• Check out NEA's new TV commercial, playing across the nation this week and calling for an education jobs package. Visit Education Votes, where you will find more tools to help you spread the word -- television and radio ads, print ads, and audio news releases.
  
  
• Become a "fan" of Speak up for Education and Kids on Facebook -- a community of educators and concerned citizens - now more than 16,000 strong -- who believe our nation has a responsibility to invest in education and avoid the short-sighted cuts that could deprive our students of the bright futures they deserve.   

• Share your story. Is your job in jeopardy? Have you already received a "pink slip?" Tell us what is happening in your school and how it will impact your students.

• Read what your colleagues across the country are saying about layoffs in their schools.

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