VEA Urges ‘Nuanced Perspective’ on Cell Phone Policies in Schools
July 9, 2024
July 9, 2024
Dr. James J. Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, released the following statement in response to the Executive Order released by Governor Youngkin earlier today on cell phone policies in public schools:
“We recognize the growing concern about the impact of cell phones in our classrooms, and feel it’s essential to approach this issue with a nuanced perspective that considers the real-world needs of our students and teachers. We urge the Virginia Department of Education to engage in meaningful dialogue with educators to develop balanced guidelines that support effective teaching and learning while also addressing legitimate concerns about distractions. Our priority remains ensuring that policies are practical, enforceable, and in the best interest of our educators, students, and families. VEA stands ready to assist in any way we can.”
According to the Economic Policy Institute, teachers in Virginia earn 67 cents on the dollar compared to other (non-teacher) college-educated workers. Virginia’s teacher wage penalty is the worst in the nation.
Learn More