NEWSBYRANDI WEINGARTEN

Randi Weingarten is part of Change.org's Changemakers network, comprised of leading voices for social change.

We just celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Week, thanking teachers for putting their heart and soul-not to mention long hours well beyond the school day-into making a difference in the lives of their students. But simultaneously, there is devastating news coming out of statehouses and school districts that could set back education for years to come.

The residual effects of the deep recession are still with us and are landing in America's classrooms. Severe education budget cuts are resulting in slashed programs and services, and more than a quarter-million pink slips for educators. The level of these cuts is staggering and unsustainable. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has estimated that as many as 300,000 teachers and other school staff could be laid off by fall. Think about that-this number is about the same as the entire population of Toledo, Ohio, or Pittsburgh, Pa.

In the schools where they occur, these layoffs will have a dramatic effect on every student and his or her educational services. It's lunacy to be making cuts of this magnitude as we work on meaningful school reforms to boost student achievement.

Randi Weingarten is part of Change.org's Changemaker network, comprised of leading voices for social change. Change.org asked Ms. Weingarten to respond to questions to provide context for her work and the causes she supports.

Change.org: What cause or causes would you most like to promote as a Changemaker and why?

I would like to promote two interconnected causes, one educational and the other economic: to ensure that every child in this country receives a high-quality public education, and to ensure that every worker has access to a job that pays a living wage. More than the minimum wage, a living wage is one that allows workers to obtain the basics of food, shelter, health care and transportation for themselves and their families. The American Dream is a false promise if the reality is that millions of Americans can get an education and work hard for 40 hours a week and still not be able to afford basic necessities. As our country works to rebound from the economic collapse, we should focus on creating good jobs in which workers are respected, have a voice in their workplace, and earn a decent wage that enables them to provide for themselves and their families.

Change.org: If you could ask 1 million people to all do one thing to advance causes that matter to you, what would it be?

I would ask that they become fully engaged citizens of their communities and of their country-to realize the vision of being a service nation. Specifically, we know our schools and our communities need support. Get to know-and engage regularly with-your child's school and teacher. Take time to mentor a child who, with just a bit of added attention, would stay in school.

Change.org: If you could ask President Obama and the U.S. Congress to do one thing to advance your cause, what would it be?