Overview:
In a 2025 survey, The Educator's Room surveyed over 600 educators about their feelings regarding the withholding of federal funds.
This summer, when the Trump administration withheld billions of dollars in federal funding from schools, education advocates and state officials sounded the alarm. These funds, intended to support summer and after-school programs for migrant students, English learners, and underserved communities, have yet to be distributed, despite being authorized in a continuing resolution passed in March and signed into law by President Trump.
When conversations turn to education, one word consistently rises to the top: funding. Without adequate resources, schools cannot function at the level students deserve. Recent survey results from The Educator’s Room highlight just how deeply teachers feel about the role of federal dollars in their classrooms.
In July, during this time, The Educator’s Room released a survey asking educators their attitudes on the funding being withheld, regardless of the outcome. In a national survey of 650 educators, 80% of educators and administrators found that federal funding was extremely important for the daily functions of a school.
“Federal funding allows schools to provide equity. Without it, many of our students would go without basic resources.”
The Consequences of Withholding Funds
When asked about the possibility of withholding federal funding, 75% of educators said it would severely limit their schools. Educators expressed concerns that such actions could reduce access to mental health services, technology, and support staff. In communities already underfunded at the state and local levels, these cuts could be devastating.
“Taking away funding punishes students for circumstances outside of their control.”
Awareness of federal funding debates varies among teachers. While about half of educators report being very aware of funding discussions, the rest reported being somewhat or not aware. This highlights the need for clearer communication and advocacy regarding funding decisions that directly impact classrooms.
What should federal funds be spent on?
For educators, 57.1% believe that the top priority for federal education funding should be to provide equitable access for underserved students, 20.2% believe the funding should be allocated to teacher salaries and training, while 15.5% want the focus to be on school safety and mental health supports. The remaining .2% focused on infrastructure and technology upgrades, consistency in discipline, and all of the above.
Educators Oppose Withholding Funds
A clear majority of educators, 85% believe withholding funds is never appropriate. For teachers, the classroom is not a bargaining chip. Their priority is to ensure that students have the necessary resources to learn, grow, and thrive. The message from teachers is loud and clear: federal funding is non-negotiable. As policymakers debate budgets and education policy, they must understand the human impact behind every dollar. For educators, these aren’t just numbers; they’re resources that keep the lights on, the books open, and the opportunities alive.
Call to Action
Teachers, we want to hear from you: How did the federal funding affect your classroom/school/district? Share your story with The Educator’s Room and help us amplify the voices of educators in the funding conversation.
