By Kate Nalepinski
President Donald Trump’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Education has sparked debate over potential consequences for teachers, students, and education funding. While some conservatives have long criticized the agency as an overreach of federal power, some educators warn that eliminating it could disrupt public schooling and cut funding streams.
How Many People Work In The Department Of Education?
The U.S. Department of Education employs approximately 4,400 people and has a $68 billion budget, according to the agency’s latest data. While its workforce is small compared to other federal departments, its role in overseeing and distributing billions in education funding is significant.
What Would Eliminating The Department Of Education Do?
Trump has argued that dismantling the agency would return control of education to state and local governments. He has claimed that eliminating the department would cut federal regulations and give parents and school boards more influence over curricula.
However, some critics point out that the move would leave states responsible for managing programs that currently receive federal oversight and funding. This includes special education, Title I assistance for low-income students and student loan programs.
George Theoharis, a professor at Syracuse University’s Teaching and Leadership Department, told Newsweek on Tuesday that completely eliminating the Department of Education would have to go through Congress, but that Trump has the authority to “diminish it.”
Doing so would have wide-reaching implications for students and teachers, he said. A key piece of DOE funding is in the form of Title I money, which typically go low-income school districts, who then decide how to best use that money within their own communities.
“Some districts use that to lower class size, particularly for younger kids in first, second or third grade. If Title I money went away, would that impact class size for some students? It’s possible,” Theoharis said.
Support for students with disabilities would also be at stake, he said, noting that the department sends funds directly to schools to support these students, as well as supports research and training efforts.
“Eliminating the Department of Education, or reducing it to sort of shambles, assume it would have an impact on the education of kids with disabilities, which is a really important part of our education system,” he said.
The DOE also plays a key role in civil rights enforcement, which may be at risk if the department is eliminated, as well as with Trump’s orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, he said. Some of these programs, for instance, give students of color more opportunity to attend higher education.
“The rolling back of those programs makes a higher ed experience less possible for lots of kids who have historically been excluded from higher ed,” he said.
What Would It Mean for School Teachers?
For K-12 teachers, shutting down the Department of Education could mean reduced federal funding for schools, which could affect salaries, hiring and resources.
The department currently administers Title I grants, which provide financial assistance to schools serving low-income students. School districts could face budget shortfalls without these funds, potentially leading to layoffs or program cuts.
Does The Department of Education Fund Colleges?
The Department of Education is a key player in federal student aid, distributing more than $115 billion annually in grants, loans and work-study funds for higher education.
If the department were eliminated, responsibility for federal student loans and Pell Grants would likely be transferred to another agency or state government, though it’s unclear which ones.
What People Are Saying
President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, on CNN: “More than the Department of Education, this will impact individuals. Think in terms of treasury and in terms of education…No one elected Donald Trump or Elon Musk to take their private information.”
Senate Judiciary Committee member John Kennedy, on Fox News: “To my friends who are upset, I would say, with respect, call somebody who cares. They better get used to this. It’s USAID today; it’s going to be the Department of Education tomorrow.”
What Happens Next
Trump’s proposal faces significant political and legal hurdles. Congress would need to approve formally eliminating the Department of Education, but that doesn’t apply to an executive order.
While the future of the DOE remains uncertain, teachers and school administrators are watching closely to see what steps Trump’s administration will take next.