Keeping a low profile, the House of Representatives passed the extension of the Stafford Loans program, allowing college students to borrow at low rates for another two years. The funds to support Stafford mysteriously appeared before the July 1 deadline.

Perhaps college students and their families still have some clout in Congress, and the dream of middle class mobility is alive, but to realize that dream with jobs remains on the legislative agenda.  At the same time President Obama’s bill for 400,000 teaching positions remains neglected, and schools will open in the fall with overcrowded classrooms and decimated support services for students.

Republicans disdain jobs bills that do not expand the economy, and teaching can not be credited with stimulating the market. However, there is a case to be made for using our natural resources. If certified teachers were oil or natural gas, Congress would have no problem funding them.  Maybe we should call the bill the Keystone Educational Resources Act.

Unemployed, certified teachers are genuine natural resources. They are mostly young, some fresh out of school, with a fiery spirit to prove their worth.  They are a select portion of the population committed to public service, meaning they will work cheaply, too cheaply. They have met the rigorous standards for teachers demanded by No Child Left Behind.  They are committed to durable service, if they have not already been diverted into other job opportunities.

I personally know a half dozen recent graduates who are can’t-miss teachers, but can not find employment.  They stay in Michigan, because of their family, their spouse, or because of dreams they can’t shake.  We need them in our schools and in our profession. The idea that they will leave the state or the profession is painful to consider.

These future teachers are a genuine natural resource.  To leave them dormant, while the economy sags is to sell out our future and their potential.  Release the funding for teachers to go to work  Engage their intellectual energy!

Employ, baby, employ!