A National Report Card on Teacher Layoffs

Pink slips are flying for teachers. We sit down with teachers and school administrators for a conversation about the future of America's schools.

As state and local budgets collapse around the country, the axe is coming down on teachers. One, two, three hundred thousands layoffs in schools from coast to coast.

The axe is falling first on younger teachers who would be – should be - the next generation of American educators.  And of course, fewer teachers means bigger classes alongside less of much else: band, sports, languages, labs … you name it.

This Hour, On Point: we talk with educators about America’s disappearing teachers, and what the hole means for American schools, American kids.Guests:

Alyson Klein, reporter for Education Week. She covers federal policy and Congress.

Frank Palatucci, principal of Highland Regional High School in Blackwood, NJ.

Lakesha Carpenter, laid off kindergarten teacher. She taught at the Nuffer Elementary School in Norwalk, CA for ten years.

Roxanna Bornemann, district school administrator in Antigo, WI. She cut one million dollars from her budget eliminated several teacher positions .