Arne Duncan: Education Reform and Teacher Support Interview

In the latest episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan shares his invaluable insights on tackling some of the most pressing issues in our education system today. From his dedicated efforts to reduce gun violence in Chicago to innovative strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism and the teacher shortage, Arne's experiences and solutions are both profound and actionable. He discusses the importance of relentless outreach to engage families and students, the necessity of increasing teacher pay, and the power of bipartisan collaboration in creating effective educational reforms. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about education, Arne's perspectives offer a comprehensive roadmap for fostering a supportive and successful learning environment for all students.

On Season 5, Episode 12 of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, we took a brief detour from our rural education mini-series to chat with Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education, Managing Partner of Emerson Collective, and founder of Chicago CRED. 

After serving the Barack Obama administration, Arne’s career led him back to his hometown of Chicago, where he’s now fiercely dedicated to combating gun violence and its impact on student outcomes. His tenure with Chicago Public Schools was marred by a grim reality: losing an average of one student every two weeks to gun violence. This haunting statistic raises a crucial question: 

Question: How can students focus on education when their safety is constantly at risk?

According to the CDC, firearm injuries are the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S. Morevore, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that exposure to community violence is significantly associated with lower academic performance, including lower grades and higher rates of school absenteeism. The study emphasizes that psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression mediate this relationship, impacting students’ ability to focus and succeed academically. 

Arne points to the success of cities where schools offer various programming to foster student participation, including:

1. after-school programs 
2. multi-generational educational opportunities 
3. supervised recreation 

All of these work together to combat the negative side effects of community violence.

These solutions pose another key question that all school administrators are looking to answer:

Question: How should school districts work to combat rampant chronic absenteeism?

Recent reports have highlighted the alarming rise in chronic absenteeism, which has increased by more than 10% in every state between 2018-19 and 2021-22. In discussing the pervasive issue, Arne advocates for a “high touch” approach. He emphasizes the importance of “relentless outreach,” where educators and administrators continually engage with the families of absent students. This persistent effort not only breaks down barriers but also instills a deep sense of care and belonging in students and their families.

““If we aren’t doing everything we can to bring in the kids that aren’t there, we’re just leaving a generation on the sideline.”” — Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education

Arne explains that many absentee students are children of parents who themselves felt disconnected from school. This generational trend underscores the necessity of educators showing unwavering support and dedication to their students’ success. By addressing absenteeism through personalized and persistent outreach, schools can help break this cycle and foster an environment where all students feel valued and motivated to attend.

Arne’s organization, Chicago CRED, supports the families of Chicago through street outreach, therapy, life coaching, education, and job training.

Question: What does a multi-faceted approach to the teacher shortage look like?

Despite an apparent surplus of active teachers, their uneven distribution leaves rural and inner-city districts chronically underserved. Coupled with an aging teacher workforce and the challenges of remote learning, the profession faces unprecedented difficulties.

Arne proposes three tangible solutions for closing gaps in teacher availability in high needs districts:

• Increase Teacher Pay: While boosting teacher salaries is vital, it’s not the only solution. Arne recommends considering teacher pay differentials that compensate high-quality educators who go out of their way to work in underserved areas.
• Deploy Innovative Recruitment and Retention Strategies: Programs like the TEACH Grant Program provide financial incentives for teaching in high-need fields, helping to distribute teachers more evenly across underserved regions. Arne cites a need to replicate what works well where it works well, sharing that every district and region have unique needs.
• Implement Effective Teacher Training and Mentorship: Comprehensive training and strong mentorship programs are crucial. Studies show that new teachers who receive mentoring are more likely to remain in the profession.

Question: What advice does Arne have for new educators?

Arne offered heartfelt advice to new educators, emphasizing the profound impact of great teaching on students and their communities. He encourages teachers to view their role as a unique vantage point for changing lives. He suggests building a strong network both within and outside of the classroom and highlights the importance of continuous professional development and mentorship to stay motivated and effective.

Arne reminds teachers that their work goes beyond test scores, shaping the future by fostering economic mobility and providing students with the tools they need to succeed in life.

At Emerson Collective, Arne invests in entrepreneurs and innovators focused on complex challenges like education, economic mobility, immigration, and climate change.

Question: What can bipartisan collaboration help us accomplish in our education system?

When asked about how bipartisan collaboration can impact our education system, Arne explained that public schools are not just educational institutions but nation-building objectives. To create effective strategies, we must agree on universal necessities, such as access to pre-K, meeting proficient reading standards, and keeping graduation rates high. 

Arne referenced Tennessee Governor  Bill Haslam’s successful shift from K-12 to a K-14 education system, highlighting the value of investing in human capital as a resource in any state. By implementing successful community-based solutions nationwide, we can achieve a comprehensive overhaul of the education system.

Conclusion

Arne Duncan brings valuable insights into the challenges and solutions in education today. His focus on addressing gun violence in Chicago highlights the broader implications for student safety and educational outcomes. By advocating for relentless outreach to combat absenteeism, strategic initiatives to address the teacher shortage, and the power of bipartisan collaboration, Arne underscores the multifaceted approach needed to create an inclusive and effective education system. His advice to new educators emphasizes the profound impact of teaching and the importance of continuous professional development and community support.

For further reading, check out Arne Duncan’s Book: “How Schools Work: An Inside Account of Failure and Success from One of the Nation’s Longest-Serving Secretaries of Education”

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