Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1543424
serious problem in their school communities. On average, attendance in three Central Valley counties dropped by 22% following raids in early 2025. In addition, teachers are increasingly worried about afford- ability for themselves and the families of their students: • 86% indicated that the cost of everyday goods and services has increased more than their salary. • 83% of educators are concerned about affording the basic cost of living expenses, like gas, groceries and electric bills. • 82% indicate housing affordability is a problem for educators at their school. • More than 75% say they have students who lack stable housing. • 75% say out-of-pocket health care costs are too high, which is five percent higher than in 2025. • 71% teach students who lack reliable access to meals and 45% have purchased food for students who experience hunger or are food insecure. As the Trump administration and its Republican-led Congress continue attempts to dismantle public education and with- hold vital resources, California teachers also have increasing concerns about student safety, access to resources and how to ensure fully staffed and stable classrooms long term. "Daily, California teachers are on the front lines of trying to protect their students from the brazen attacks on public edu- cation by the Trump administration and the persistent budget shortfalls in their district. For these teachers, it's not a ques- tion of commitment, skill or resilience; it's a matter of chronically underfunded schools and attacks on our The following issues were [amplified] in this year's survey, compared with last year's, illustrating just a few of the ways that educators and public schools are [in crisis, functioning under increased pressure]. Percentage point increase from 2025 saying the issue is very serious +8 points +4 points Percentage of educators reporting the following as serious issues 88% Insufficient funding for schools 88% Low pay for educators 78% Overcrowded classrooms +2 points Fears of layoffs and school closures rose 6 percentage points in the last year alone. 3 Educators Are Willing to Strike Our 2026 member survey revealed clear willingness by educators across the state to strike over important issues. • 83% are willing to strike to improve educator pay, which is essential for stable, thriving schools. • 72% are willing to strike to lower health care costs. • Nearly 70% are willing to strike for improved staffing levels for special education, student support staff like counselors and nurses, and to enable smaller class sizes to ensure students get the classroom support they deserve. • 62% would strike to stop layoffs and school closures, which impact local access to quality education. "Teachers should not have to fight for the basic safety and supplies they need to do their jobs." —CTA President David Goldberg The following issues were underscored in this year 's survey, compared with last year 's, illustrating just a few of the ways that educators and public schools are functioning under increased attacks on resources and public education: Concerns about layoffs and school closures rose 6 percentage points in the last year alone. 13 W I N T E R 2 0 26