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Lauren Wagner

@laurenwreports.bsky.social

1.9K followers 733 following 56 posts

Education Reporter for The 74 covering labor, rural, STEM, literacy & more | Words in: Omaha World-Herald, Norfolk Daily News, Hechinger Report, Lincoln Journal Star 📍Nebraska 📧 lauren.wagner@the74million.org

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The 74 investigation reveals that more than 18% of all the NY state Child Victim Act cases — or nearly 1 in 5 — attest that a child was sexually abused, assaulted or raped by an adult who had access to them through their school bit.ly/3Tmn00N

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 23/09/2026

Decades of harm: New York schools named in nearly 2,000 child sex abuse claims [in partnership with @the74.bsky.social]

motherjones.com

Decades of harm: New York schools named in nearly 2,000 child sex abuse claims

A law that opened a window for survivors to seek justice for past abuse also exposed how schools enabled alleged predators.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

If you do anything today, read this critical story that my colleague @bethhawkins.bsky.social has worked on for months about how applied behavior analysis turns huge profits for providers at kids' expense: www.the74million.org/article/priv...

the74million.org

Private Equity Is Cashing in on Autism Therapy. Children Are Paying the Price

Analysis of Medicaid data finds applied behavior analysis — an unproven, even dangerous therapy — turns huge profits for providers at kids' expense

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

It's harder to teach about 9/11 more than ever, teachers say. New parents and educators are without lived knowledge of the terrorist attacks and many states have uneven guidelines around the topic. www.the74million.org/article/a-ge...

the74million.org

A Generation Later, 9/11 Is Harder to Teach as Lived Memory Fades

While a recent analysis found 40 states at least suggest schools educate students about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, standards widely vary.

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Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Humble brad alert! Thrilled to swashbuckle a little about @the74.bsky.social @laurenwreports.bsky.social, our editors and I being ONA awards finalists for a package of special education law-focused stories anchored by this history of the Individuals With Disabilities in Education Act. 1/

awards.journalists.org

Special education law under fire - Online Journalism Awards

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

3/ @laurenwreports.bsky.social is too modest to clank around proclaiming her own badassery, but there is NO way the other major investigation in this package would have happened without her dogged reporting and compelling storytelling.

the74million.org

For Decades, the Feds Were the Last, Best Hope for Special Ed Kids. What Happens Now?

State-level complaints over disputes with districts have never been as easy as intended. Now, they're all desperate families have left.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Pattern bargaining has caused New York City paraprofessional starting pay to increase by $12,000 in the past 20 years while top principal pay rose more than $86,000. Today, city council passed a bill as a temporary solution for the lowest-paid educators: www.the74million.org/article/bill...

the74million.org

Bill Giving $10,000 Bonuses to NYC Paraprofessionals Heads to Mayor’s Desk

Since last year, the United Federation of Teachers has pushed for the extra pay to address a staffing shortage and $32,000 starting salary.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

As toddlers babbled to their teachers at a Nebraska Head Start in June, a recording device hidden in a purple vest captured every word. The tech collected data on teacher-child interactions as part of a statewide program to improve literacy skills. www.the74million.org/zero2eight/n...

the74million.org

Nebraska Head Starts Use Vests With ‘Talk Pedometers’ To Boost Early Literacy

The Lena Grow program, which collects data on preschooler talk and trains teachers to increase conversations, has been linked to higher reading scores.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The former music teacher, who previously served as the union's vice president, narrowly avoided a run-off in July 5 election www.the74million.org/article/prin...

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Harvey, who worked as an Education Department civil rights attorney in 2020 and 2021, said she didn’t think the federal civil rights office was ever perfect. "But I think it’s become even less help for people who are trying to resolve issues." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

washingtonpost.com

Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system

Parents of kids with disabilities say they have waited months for the Education Department to address complaints of bullying or discrimination

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

New from @laurenwreports.bsky.social @the74.bsky.social Robyn Linscott, The Arc of the United States: “Moving IDEA oversight into HHS pushes students with disabilities toward a medical model, where disability is treated as a diagnosis to manage instead of a natural part of human life.”

the74million.org

Special Ed and Civil Rights Oversight Moving Out of Education Department

Department of Health and Human Services, Justice Department will take over programs for students with disabilities in latest agency reshuffling.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

You know what I love? Stories about educators who set out to solve a problem and end up creating something innovative and effective. This @laurenwreports.bsky.social @the74.bsky.social piece is a great one.

the74million.org

Sharing Students Is Key to Success for These Arkansas Third Grade Educators

The teaching team at Hunt Elementary School in Springdale has some of the highest growth scores in the state. Other schools are taking notice.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

EdSource Guild @edsourceguild.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

🚨 EDSOURCE GUILD IS ON STRIKE! 🚨 Today—Thursday, May 14—EdSource Guild is on a one-day work stoppage due to the unilateral changes to our insurance and the lack of progress on key contract issues. PLEASE DO NOT CROSS OUR PICKET LINE AND VISIT @edsource.org TODAY! actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...

EDSOURCE GUILD IS ON STRIKE TODAY, MAY 14, 2026. For 16 months, we have worked for a contract. Now, management has unilaterally changed health benefits without negotiation.

WHY WE'RE STRIKING TODAY

"A fair contract for journalists is how we ensure the quality and sustainability of the reporting our communities count on. We care deeply about this work and the gravity of this action is meant to reflect that. We sincerely hope that management chooses to take our right to bargain and the content of our proposals seriously moving forward." -Thomas Peele, EdSource investigative reporter and EdSource Guild co-chair

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

You may remember this great story my colleague Pascal wrote on Black voters in Fayette Co., their legal win, and how they're bracing for the VRA's impact. boltsmag.org/voting-right... The NYT 3 days ago: www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/u... Of course it makes sense to cover Fayette now! Just credit!

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Hunt Elementary's third grade teachers have some of the highest educator growth scores in Arkansas. Students don’t stay in one classroom for the entire year, or even for the entire day. Instead, the educators share students depending on their reading level. www.the74million.org/article/shar...

the74million.org

Sharing Students Is Key to Success for These Arkansas Third Grade Educators

The teaching team at Hunt Elementary School in Springdale has some of the highest growth scores in the state. Other schools are taking notice.

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Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

The Chicago Teachers Union negotiated May Day civics programs, lessons & student/staff participation at a public rally & march. 10,000 subs are getting notices they might be needed Friday. It's an agreement the union says CPS is having trouble following. www.the74million.org/article/1000...

the74million.org

1,000s of Chicago MS, HS Students Expected to Join Union-Driven Day of Action

Chicago Teachers Union negotiated May Day civics programs, assemblies, lessons and a rally & march — but says district is backing away from agreement.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Two leaders of the union that represents Indiana State Teachers Association staff have been on admin leave since Feb. 23 and were told they are going to be fired for union-related activity. Now affiliates from 22+ states are condemning ISTA's actions. www.the74million.org/article/indi...

the74million.org

Indiana Teachers Union Staff File Unfair Labor Charges After Alleged Retaliation

Three members of the organization that represents Indiana State Teachers Association employees were put on administrative leave Feb. 23.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Hundreds of teachers from Little Lake City School District, located in southeast Los Angeles County, are on strike for the first time in the district’s 150-year history. www.latimes.com/california/s...

Teachers strike for 1st time in this L.A. County school district's 150-year history

Hundreds of teachers at the Little Lake City School District, established in 1871, are striking for the first time in the district's history.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Chicago Public Schools has agreed with the Chicago Teachers Union to allow staff & students to participate in its May 1 day of civic action. Class will be in session, but kids & teachers can attend an afternoon rally. More info from @ctulocal1.bsky.social below ⤵️

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

The past few days have been a whirlwind for LAUSD, staff and families as three unions’ contract negotiations have tentatively come an end. SEIU Local 99’s agreement was reached early this morning, hours before a scheduled strike. www.the74million.org/article/l-a-...

the74million.org

L.A. District Reaches Tentative Agreements With 3 Unions, Avoids Historic Strike

Support staff won 24% raises just hours before scheduled strike. Teachers, principals reached deals earlier but planned to walk out in solidarity.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

United Teachers Los Angeles @utlanow.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

UTLA's 150-member Bargaining Team reached a tentative two-year agreement w/the district with big wins that the team enthusiastically recommends to UTLA members for ratification. ⁠

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Hundreds of students across the South Texas plains attend multiple high schools (and college classes) as part of a collaboration that began in 2019. To avoid consolidation or declining enrollment, five rural schools partnered to share students & CTE pathways. www.the74million.org/article/insi...

the74million.org

Inside 5 Rural Texas Districts That Together Set Students on Path to the Future

High schoolers travel to districts up to an hour away to attend academies in welding, teaching, nursing, robotics — and earn college credit.

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Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Very important update on the New York State teachers union's effort to develop educator training for EVIDENCE-based literacy instruction:

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Walking into Texas' Windsor Park elementary, it’s hard to miss a mass of bright, colorful paper balloons displaying dozens of children who have read at least 1 million words. The school made the @the74.bsky.social's Bright Spots list for its reading proficiency. www.the74million.org/article/this...

the74million.org

This Texas Elementary Is Achieving High Reading Scores a Million Words at a Time

Windsor Park Elementary in Corpus Christi motivates young readers with a Millionaires Club that has kids clamoring to get in

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Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Reuters @reuters.com · 16/03/2026

Nebraska battles largest-ever wildfire and other blazes as more than 600,000 acres burn reut.rs/3P9pr4w

Nebraska battles largest-ever wildfire and other blazes as more than 600,000 acres burn

Multiple wildfires, including the largest in Nebraska's history, have burned through more than 600,000 acres of the state, local officials said Sunday.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

The Morrill Fire in Nebraska has killed 1 and consumed 549,000 acres with 0% containment. This is more than 10% of the entire area burned by U.S. wildfires in 2025, and makes it one of the 20 largest fires in U.S. history. Sunday forecast is grim: High Wind Warning, 25-35 mph winds, gusting to 50.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Bay Area News @bayarea.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Oakland Unified teachers avert strike, Alum Rock district leaders approve cuts

Oakland Unified teachers avert strike, Alum Rock district leaders approve cuts

One of the Bay Area's biggest school districts averted a teachers strike, while another smaller district approved dozens of layoffs.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) @pft.org · 27/02/2026

Board member Wanda Novales "said she recognized the complex challenges the board and district face, but 'the standard cannot simply be operational efficiency. I am struggling to see the heart ... that sees the lived realities of our neighborhoods.'" www.inquirer.com/education/ph... #SaveOurSchools

The Philly school board finally began considering the superintendent’s school-closing plan — and the community is not happy

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. presented his proposal to close 18 schools at a lengthy, emotional meeting that began Thursday afternoon and stretched into Friday morning.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

At least three states are trying to repeal early grade suspension bans as districts say the practice is needed to control behavior, reach parents. @laurenwreports.bsky.social reports

the74million.org

K-2 Suspensions Were Recently Banned in Nebraska. Now, Lawmakers Want to Go Back

At least three states are trying to repeal early grade suspension bans as districts say the practice is needed to control behavior, reach parents.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Nebraska is one of multiple states that have sought to repeal a K-2 suspension ban this past year. Lawmakers & advocates are divided as teachers are physically harmed but students of color & children with disabilities are suspended at disproportionate rates. www.the74million.org/zero2eight/k...

the74million.org

K-2 Suspensions Were Recently Banned in Nebraska. Now, Lawmakers Want to Go Back

At least three states are trying to repeal early grade suspension bans as districts say the practice is needed to control behavior, reach parents.

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Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Diana Lambert @dianalambert.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

California State University maintenance workers on strike, demand pay increase edsource.org?page_id=751362 @teamsterslocal2010.bsky.social @teamsters.bsky.social @calstate.bsky.social #strike

UPDATE: California State University maintenance workers on strike, demand pay increase

The latest education news updates from EdSource.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 17/02/2026

Union leadership said the district should reaffirm its support for immigrant students and families as bargaining is set to begin soon.

Detroit teachers union will ask for more support for teachers in handling ICE in new contract

Union leadership said the district should reaffirm its support for immigrant students and families as bargaining is set to begin soon.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

I was able to chat with Roosevelt Nivens from Lamar Consolidated ISD after he received the Superintendent of the Year award at the @aasa.org conference in Nashville. Read more about how he got here, what he's proud of & what challenges he's faced in Texas: www.the74million.org/article/the-...

the74million.org

The 74 Interview: Top Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens on a Student-First Mindset

The superintendent of the year describes how he runs his growing Texas school district and what he looks for in teachers.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

The union also won demands around special education staff working conditions such as caseload reductions & overage pay. www.the74million.org/article/san-...

the74million.org

San Francisco Teachers Strike Ends With Tentative Agreement on Raises, Benefits

The contract would provide fully-funded health care and a two-year, 8.5% raise for classified staff. Teachers will get a 5% raise over two years.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

United Educators of San Francisco just announced they have reached a tentative agreement with SFUSD after striking all week. Schools will reopen next Wednesday after two previously scheduled holiday off days.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Here's @laurenwreports.bsky.social @the74.bsky.social with a rundown of what's at stake in San Francisco, where educators are striking for the first time in 47 years.

the74million.org

San Francisco Teachers Demand More Pay, Health Care in First Strike Since 1979

Union of 6,500 educators wants 9% to 14% raises and job changes for special education. School district officials say there’s not enough money.

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

The United Educators of San Francisco strike continues today after no deal was reached last night. Pickets are happening at each school followed by a rally and march this afternoon. More: www.the74million.org/article/san-...

the74million.org

San Francisco Teachers Demand More Pay, Health Care in First Strike Since 1979

Union of 6,500 educators wants 9% to 14% raises and job changes for special education. School district officials say there’s not enough money.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

AFT @aft.org · 09/02/2026

We're at Mission High School this morning as SF educators stand up for fully staffed schools and the supports students deserve. Our members are fighting for the schools their communities deserve, and to get back to their classrooms with a fair contract. ✊ @cftunion.bsky.social

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

SFUSD schools are closed today as United Educators of San Francisco report to the picket line. It's the union's first strike in nearly 50 years. Last night, union leaders said the district's proposals on special ed, health care & raises don't go far enough. www.the74million.org/article/los-...

the74million.org

Los Angeles, San Francisco Teachers Unions OK Strikes Over Pay, Staffing Demands

United Educators of San Francisco could call walkout within 10 days — its first in 50 years. San Diego union plans 1-day strike, others at an impasse.

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Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

My latest: What's it like to be a teacher in the Twin Cities? Two educators on the very different experience in their classrooms — and the awful realities that are the common thread.

the74million.org

‘Teaching as You’re Feeling’: St. Paul Teachers Share Their Classroom Realities

An elementary and a HS educator on who's in school and who isn't, online learning, the value of friends and routine, kids' fears — and their own.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

My latest: Minnesota school districts, @educationmn.bsky.social go to court seeking reinstatement of the 'sensitive locations' rule, which would keep immigration enforcement actions away from schools, bus stops, churches, healthcare facilities, etc. Was the rule of the land for 30+ years 1/

the74million.org

Minnesota Districts, Teachers Union Sue Federal Government for Targeting Schools

Educators demand reinstatement of a decades-old policy prohibiting most immigration enforcement near ‘sensitive locations’ like schools and bus stops

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world

Pinned
lizzie johnson
@lizziejohnsonnn
·
Aug 19, 2021
Almost three years ago, my editor called me early one November morning. A wildfire had sparked near a town called Paradise, he said. Could I go? (1/13)
0:02 / 0:10
lizzie johnson
@lizziejohnsonnn
·
47m
I was just laid off by The Washington Post in the middle of a warzone. I have no words. I'm devastated.
Quote
lizzie johnson
@lizziejohnsonnn
·
Jan 25
Waking up without power, heat, or running water. (Again.)

But the work here in Kyiv continues. Warming up in the car, writing in pencil — pen ink freezes — by headlamp.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

United Educators of San Francisco could call walkout within 10 days — its first in 50 years. San Diego union plans 1-day strike, others at an impasse. @laurenwreports.bsky.social reports www.the74million.org/article/los-...

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Jack Jenkins @jackjenkins.me · 23/01/2026

Police have arrived. Arrests seem imminent. The crowd chants “let them pray” and “Minnesota nice means prosecute ICE”

Lauren Wagner @laurenwreports.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Teachers unions in St. Paul & Minneapolis have called for a general strike Jan. 23 to protest ICE activity & some students have said they plan to join. @uft.org in New York has planned an emergency demonstration the same day. Update from @bethhawkins.bsky.social: www.the74million.org/article/as-i...

the74million.org

As ICE Targets Twin Cities Schools & Bus Stops, Even Citizens Keep Kids Home

'Everybody’s affected’: Fear, anger and chaos as classrooms empty out, distance learning fails, student mental health suffers and teachers struggle.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

From Head Start to civil rights, here are eight ways Trump reshaped education in just one year

the74million.org

From Head Start to Civil Rights, 8 Ways Trump Reshaped Education in Just 1 Year

‘The breadth and scope … was pretty astonishing': Experts predict more 2026 unraveling in areas from special education oversight to immigration.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Study: Switching to charter school improves performance for special education students. @laurenwreports.bsky.social reports

the74million.org

Study: Switching to Charter School Improves Performance for Special Ed Students

Researchers analyzed Michigan K-8 student records over five years and found positive outcomes despite less intensive services.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

The 74 @the74.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Aldeman: At these 255 schools, literacy rates are far higher than their poverty levels would suggest. Is your school a Bright Spot? www.the74million.org/article/top-...

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Cara Jackson @carajackson.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Also in July, concerns mounted about how the staffing cuts at ED would impact students with special needs www.the74million.org/article/for-... @laurenwreports.bsky.social & @bethhawkins.bsky.social

the74million.org

For Decades, the Feds Were the Last, Best Hope for Special Ed Kids. What Happens Now?

State-level complaints over disputes with districts have never been as easy as intended. Now, they're all desperate families have left.

Reposted by Lauren Wagner

Beth Hawkins @bethhawkins.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

What are the top reasons early career teachers leave? @laurenwreports.bsky.social @the74.bsky.social talked to Center for American Progress researchers about their new survey.

the74million.org

Exclusive: Survey Reveals Why 70% of Early-Career Teachers Leave the Classroom

New research finds poor support, salaries and working conditions are making novices quit. Better pay, benefits and mental health resources would help.