Chicago teachers' strike highlights support staff shortages

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Demands by for more nurses, librarians and social workers are highlighting concerns that resonate in high-poverty school districts nationwide, where shortages of support staff leave educators feeling stretched.

Unions and professional groups for such employees say those jobs often are lower priority when budgets are tight, but their absence can have profound effects on student learning and teachers' work. They contend support staff is vital to properly address everyday student issues such as physical and mental health problems or homelessness.

https://www.businessinsider.com/chicago-teachers-strike-highlights-support-staff-shortages-2019-10