GIA Education Report: Teacher Challenges, Loan Forgiveness, & Student Success Stories

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva. 

A new report from the California Teachers Association highlights the challenges facing educators due to insufficient school funding. The survey of nearly 2,000 TK-12 educators reveals financial hardships, including low wages, high health insurance costs, and a lack of resources for students. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate mental health support, and limited special education resources were among the key concerns cited. Nearly 40% of educators are considering leaving the profession, with finances being the primary factor. Despite recent increases in education funding, the report underscores the need for greater investment to support both educators and students.  

In other news, The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new steps in its ongoing efforts to provide student loan forgiveness, bringing total relief to $183.6 billion for over 5 million borrowers. Recent actions include $465 million in Public Service Loan Forgiveness for 6,100 borrowers, $1.26 billion for nearly 85,000 borrowers based on institutional misconduct, and $2.5 billion for 61,000 borrowers with total and permanent disabilities. These actions are part of a broader initiative to address long-standing challenges within the federal student loan system.  

Judson & Brown Elementary School’s garden, once neglected during the pandemic, is being revitalized thanks to a $500 grant from the Redlands Educational Partnership. The funds will support seeds, soil, and tools for spring planting, alongside a new mural by local artist Larry Dierdorff. The garden fosters outdoor learning and inter-grade relationships through a buddy system between transitional kindergarten and fifth-grade students. This project is part of over $72,000 in grants awarded by the partnership this school year to support hands-on educational opportunities.   

The Riverside County Office of Education’s Student Transformation Program at Betty G. Gibbel Regional Learning Center is making a significant impact on students in alternative education. Funded by a Unique Projects Grant, the program addresses both academic and personal needs through initiatives like weekly “Transformation Mondays,” one-on-one growth sessions, and staff mentorship. The whole-staff model has helped return 50 students per semester to their home districts, fostering confidence, focus, and a sense of belonging. This comprehensive approach is transforming lives and building a supportive community for students facing challenges.  

To close this report, we highlight Brooklyn Hodge, a University of Redlands student in the School of Business & Society’s degree completer program. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business while balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and coursework. As an Esri employee and recipient of the Esri Fellowship, which provides tuition-free scholarships for education, Hodge exemplifies perseverance and the impact of strong support systems. Designed for working professionals, the program’s eight-week courses allow Hodge to focus on one class at a time. Inspired by her success, she plans to explore new career opportunities and pursue a master’s degree, emphasizing that returning to education is challenging but worthwhile. 

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.