Jobs Report January 2026 2-11-26

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION -- JANUARY 2026

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 130,000 in January, and the unemployment rate changed

little at 4.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred

in health care, social assistance, and construction, while federal government and financial activities lost jobs.    

This news release presents statistics from two monthly surveys. The household survey measures

labor force status, including unemployment, by demographic characteristics. The establishment

survey measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. For more information about the concepts and statistical methodology used in these two surveys, see the Technical Note.

Household Survey Data

Both the unemployment rate, at 4.3 percent, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.4

million, changed little in January. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the

jobless rate was 4.0 percent, and the number of unemployed people was 6.9 million. (See table

A-1.)

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for teenagers declined to 13.6 percent in January. The jobless rates for adult men (3.8 percent), adult women (4.0 percent), and people who are White (3.7 percent), Black (7.2 percent), Asian (4.1 percent), or Hispanic (4.7 percent) showed little change over the month. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.)

The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) changed little in January at 1.8 million but is up by 386,000 from a year earlier. The long-term unemployed accounted for 25.0 percent of all unemployed people in January. (See table A-12.)

Both the labor force participation rate, at 62.5 percent, and the employment-population ratio, at 59.8 percent, changed little in January. These measures have shown little change over the year. (See table A-1.)

The number of people employed part time for economic reasons decreased by 453,000 to 4.9 million in January but is up by 410,000 over the year. These individuals would have preferred full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. (See table A-8.)

In January, the number of people not in the labor force who currently want a job decreased by 399,000 to 5.8 million. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were not actively looking for work during the 4 weeks preceding the survey or were unavailable to take a job. (See table A-1.)

Among those not in the labor force who wanted a job, the number of people marginally attached to the labor force changed little at 1.7 million in January. These individuals wanted and were available for work and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months but had not looked for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. The number of discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached who believed that no jobs were available for them, also changed little at 475,000 in January. (See Summary table A.)

Establishment Survey Data

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 130,000 in January. Job gains occurred in health care, social assistance, and construction, while federal government and financial activities lost jobs. Payroll employment changed little in 2025 (+15,000 per month on average). (See table B-1. See the note at the end of this news release and table A for more information about the annual benchmark process.)

Health care added 82,000 jobs in January, with gains in ambulatory health care services (+50,000), hospitals (+18,000), and nursing and residential care facilities (+13,000). Job growth in health care averaged 33,000 per month in 2025.

 Employment in social assistance increased by 42,000 in January, primarily in individual and family services (+38,000).

Construction added 33,000 jobs in January, reflecting an employment gain in nonresidentialspecialty trade contractors (+25,000). Employment in construction was essentially flat in 2025.

In January, federal government employment continued to decline (-34,000) as some federal employees who accepted a deferred resignation offer in 2025 came off federal payrolls. Since reaching a peak in October 2024, federal government employment is down by 327,000, or 10.9 percent.

Financial activities employment declined by 22,000 in January and is down by 49,000 since reaching a recent peak in May 2025. Within the industry, insurance carriers and related activities lost 11,000 jobs over the month.

Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; information; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and other services.

In January, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 15 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $37.17. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have

increased by 3.7 percent. In January, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees rose by 12 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $31.95. (See tables B-3 and B-8.)

The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged up by 0.1 hour to 34.3 hours in January. In manufacturing, the average workweek edged up by 0.1 hour to 40.1 hours, and overtime was unchanged at 2.9 hours. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 33.8 hours. (See tables B-2 and B-7.)

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for November was revised down by 15,000, from +56,000 to +41,000, and the change for December was revised down by 2,000, from +50,000 to +48,000. With these revisions, employment in November and December combined is 17,000 lower than previously reported. (Monthly revisions result from additional reports received from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates and from the recalculation of seasonal factors. The annual benchmark process also contributed to the November and December revisions.)

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_02112026.

Norb Leahy Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Education Reform 2-11-26

Based on historical patterns and systems research, it typically takes 2 to 4 years for a new education reform initiative to be fully implemented and operational across a school or district. However, deep-seated, systemic, and sustainable reform—such as comprehensive improvements to school effectiveness—often requires a sustained, multi-year strategy spanning 8 to 12 years.  

Key Findings on Reform Timelines

Initial Implementation (2–4 Years): Consensus among systems researchers suggests that 2 to 4 years is required for a new initiative (e.g., new curriculum, technology integration) to move from adoption to full, consistent implementation.

Sustainability Challenges: Many reforms are abandoned in 2 years or less—before showing impact—due to inadequate planning, lack of teacher professional development, or changing political priorities.

Long-Term Systemic Change (8–12 Years): Successful, enduring improvements (like those studied by McKinsey in global systems) often require 8 to 12 years of consistent, hard work.

Rapid Change Models: While standard reforms take years, "Controlled Rapid Approach" methods exist, though they are rare. Some models, like those in the Georgia education system reform, involved training in the year prior to implementation, with full adoption taking 1–2 years. 

Factors Affecting the Speed of Adoption

"School Culture": Because of rigid organizational structures, change in schools is often gradual and episodic.

Community and Political Buy-in: The success of reform relies on engaging parents, school boards, and community leaders.

Teacher Development: Effective reforms require significant, ongoing professional development and training.

Funding and Resources: Innovation is often dependent on the availability of federal, state, and local funds.

Site Readiness: The "readiness" of a specific school to take on new initiatives plays a major role in the speed of adoption. 

Current Context (2025–2030)

Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid shift in, and transformation of, many schools between 2020 and 2022.

Future Trends: Predictions suggest that by 2030, the U.S. public education system will become significantly more privatized and regulated, similar to the utilities industry, signaling a long-term shift in the structure of public schools.

Adopting and fully implementing education reform in U.S. public schools is a long-term process that varies significantly based on the scale of the initiative: 

Implementation Timelines

Short-Term Adoption (2–4 Years): Systems researchers generally agree that it takes 2 to 4 years for a new initiative to become fully operational across a school or district.

Operational Maturity (3–5 Years): Putting new school programs into practice often stretches over 3 to 5 years to allow for the gradual adjustment of school cultures and teacher habits.

System-Wide Success (8–12 Years): Successful, sustained school improvement that results in measurable student outcome changes often requires 8 to 12 years of consistent "hard work". 

Historical Implementation Gaps

Cycle of Abandonment: Many reforms have a lifespan of only 1.5 to 4 years, often being abandoned before they are fully implemented due to budget shifts or leadership changes.

Policy to Classroom Delay: Major federal laws, like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), can take a decade to "mature" and fully integrate into state and local agency operations.

Decades for Broad Change: Landmark shifts, such as the move toward standards-based reform, began in the early 1980s with the A Nation at Risk report but took nearly 20 years to become federally mandated under No Child Left Behind (2001). 

Barriers to Rapid Reform

Statutory Deadlines: Federal regulations are often bound by a "master calendar rule," which can delay the effect of a finalized rule by an entire year.

Decentralization: Reforms are often implemented unevenly as individual states and school boards have the final say on curriculum and funding. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+long+will+it+take+for+us+public+schools+to+adopt+education+reform+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Education Gaps 2-11-26

Based on September 2025 releases of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) (the Nation’s Report Card) assessing early 2024 data, U.S. 12th-grade public school students are scoring at historic lows in reading and math. Nearly half of high school seniors tested below basic levels in math (45%) and about one-third in reading, marking a continued decline in core academic proficiency.  

Key Findings on 2024-2025 Test Results:

Historic Lows: Twelfth-grade reading scores reached their lowest point in the history of the assessment (since 1992), while math scores hit their lowest since 2005.

Wide Achievement Gaps: Performance, particularly for the lowest-achieving students (bottom 10%), has fallen sharply across all demographics and economic statuses.

Long-term Decline: The decline in scores began before the pandemic, with reading scores peaking in 2013-2015.

Performance by School Type: While traditional public school scores dropped, some reports noted that charter school students did not experience the same decline.

Contributing Factors: Experts point to increased chronic absenteeism, high smartphone/social media usage, and declining academic engagement. 

Key Statistics:

Math: Only 33% of 12th graders are considered prepared for college-level math.

Reading: 35% of seniors performed at or above the "proficient" level.

Science: 8th-grade science scores dropped 4 points since 2019. 

The data highlights a significant "five-alarm fire for America's children", with calls for urgent intervention for low-performing students. 

As of 2026, U.S. public school students are facing record-low academic performance, with assessments showing a majority of students are not scoring at grade level in core subjects. 

National Performance Data

Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation's Report Card, indicates that academic achievement has fallen to its lowest point in decades: 

12th Grade Math: Only 22% of high school seniors are proficient; 45% scored below the basic level.

12th Grade Reading: Only 35% are proficient, with 32% failing to meet even basic literacy standards.

8th Grade Science: Only 31% of students reached the proficient level.

Middle School Decline: Average scores for 13-year-olds fell 4 points in reading and 9 points in math compared to the 2019–20 school year. 

Key Contributing Factors

Educational reports and experts identify several systemic issues driving these declines: 

Widening Achievement Gap: The performance gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students is at its widest point in history.

Chronic Absenteeism: High rates of student absences since the pandemic continue to hinder academic recovery.

Resource Disparities: While per-pupil spending reached record highs (averaging $17,700 in 2025), significant funding inequities persist between states and districts.

Misaligned Perception: There is a "perception gap" where 90% of parents believe their child is at grade level, despite objective data showing only about one-third actually are. 

Current Initiatives & Outlook

Science of Reading: Over 44 states have passed literacy laws as of early 2026, with 2026 seen as a critical year for the implementation of these science-of-reading reforms.

2026 Testing Cycle: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is currently administering the 2026 NAEP assessments for 4th and 8th graders between January and March 2026 to track ongoing recovery.

Projected Enrollment: Public school enrollment is projected to continue its decline, dropping to an estimated 46.9 million by 2031 as families increasingly move toward private and charter alternatives.

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+public+school+students+not+scoring+at+grade+level+in+2026+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Education v Global Scores 2-11-26

Based on recent OECD PISA data, the U.S. education system in 2026 generally ranks above average in reading and science but below average in mathematics compared to other developed nations. While U.S. students often underperform in math compared to peers in Asia and Europe, they remain competitive in science and reading, ranking around 13th overall in recent assessments, behind leaders like Singapore.  

Key 2026 Educational Performance Metrics:

Mathematics: U.S. 15-year-olds rank below the OECD average, with a significant decline in scores in recent assessments.

Science & Reading: U.S. students perform above the international average, showing stability in these subjects.

Global Ranking: The U.S. often ranks in the middle of the pack (around 13th to 22nd) among industrialized nations, trailing countries like Singapore, Japan, and Canada.

Attainment: The U.S. ranks highly in the percentage of adults with a high school education (92%) and 10th in the percentage of adults with college degrees. 

While the U.S. shows strengths in certain areas, particularly in high-performing students, there is a large gap between the highest and lowest performers, placing the country behind top educational leaders in global assessments. 

In 2026, the US continues to demonstrate a "split" performance in education: it remains the global leader in higher education, but its K-12 results show significant subject-based disparities compared to other nations. 

K-12 Performance (Based on PISA Data)

The most recent PISA scores show that U.S. 15-year-olds perform well in reading and science but continue to struggle in mathematics. 

Reading: The U.S. ranks 9th globally (6th among OECD countries) with a score of 504, well above the OECD average of 476.

Science: The U.S. ranks 16th globally (10th-13th among OECD countries) with a score of 499, which is 14 points above the OECD average.

Mathematics: This remains a weak area, with the U.S. ranking 34th globally (28th among OECD countries). Its score of 465 is below the OECD average of 472.

Equity Gap: A major concern in 2026 reports is the high level of educational inequality; the gap between the top 10% and bottom 10% of U.S. performers is wider than in most other participating nations. 

Higher Education Ranking

In contrast to K-12, the U.S. higher education system is ranked #1 in the world for 2026. 

University Dominance: According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, the U.S. holds the most spots in the global top 100.

Top Institutions: Harvard University and MIT consistently rank as the top two global universities across major indices like U.S. News and Times Higher Education.

Trends: While the U.S. still leads, reports indicate a slight "waning dominance" as East Asian universities (particularly from China and South Korea) continue to rise in research impact and global reputation

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+does+the+us+score+in+education+compared+to+other+countries+in+2026+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Education Deficiency Reduction 2-11-26

In 2026, U.S. students are poised to overcome educational deficits through a combination of AI-driven personalized learning, a return to foundational literacy and math, expanded vocational training, and the implementation of strict, high-stakes academic standards. Policies in 2026 focus on addressing learning loss, increasing mental health support, and enhancing digital access.  

Key strategies for overcoming educational gaps in 2026 include:

AI and Personalized Tools: Schools are integrating AI to provide tailored instruction, moving away from banning chatbots toward using them to foster critical thinking and "cognitive friction".

Back-to-Basics Curriculum: Reforms are prioritizing foundational subjects (reading, math, science) to restore academic rigor.

Vocational and Skill-Based Training: Increased emphasis on career-preparatory education and technical skills to bridge the gap between school and the workforce.

Smartphone Bans and Focus: Districts are banning smartphones during school hours to improve concentration and academic outcomes.

Alternative Learning Models: Growth in microschools, homeschooling, and flexible, online, or hybrid learning environments that offer tailored education.

Targeted Interventions: Increased focus on closing the digital divide and providing mental health support to address student well-being. 

These initiatives, alongside efforts to improve teacher training, are aimed at reversing educational declines and enhancing competitiveness. 

In 2026, U.S. students are expected to bridge educational gaps through a combination of individual technology adoption, alternative school models, and state-level policy shifts focused on evidence-based instruction. 

1. Personalized AI Tutoring and Support 

Students are increasingly using AI as a "24/7 personal tutor" to bypass traditional classroom limitations. 

Real-Time Intervention: AI platforms like Kyron Learning identify knowledge gaps instantly, allowing students to receive tailored feedback that was previously only available through expensive one-on-one tutoring.

Home-School Connectivity: AI-driven tools are being used to provide parents with real-time, translated updates on a student's progress, allowing for more immediate home support.

Hyper-Personalization: In higher education, students are seeking institutions that use AI to design flexible, "hyper-personalized" experiences tailored to their specific career goals and life schedules. 

2. Shift to Alternative and Non-Traditional Models 

Frustrated by traditional public systems, families are moving toward more specialized or flexible environments. 

Microschools and Learning Pods: Students are increasingly enrolling in microschools or learning pods, often funded by expanding Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that allow public money to follow the student.

Virtual Instruction Experts: To solve local teacher shortages, some districts now stream certified subject-matter experts directly into classrooms via platforms like Proximity Learning, ensuring students have access to high-quality instruction regardless of their zip code. 

3. Evidence-Based Academic Recovery

States are adopting stricter, science-backed mandates to reverse declines in core subjects. 

Science of Reading: Over 30 states have passed laws requiring literacy instruction based on the "Science of Reading," which is showing early success in improving literacy scores.

Math Numeracy Acts: Following Alabama’s lead, more states are implementing "Numeracy Acts" that require daily minimum math instruction and early screenings to catch struggling students before they fall behind.

Limiting Distractions: By 2026, at least 22 states have enacted cell phone bans in schools to increase "time on task" and reduce digital distractions. 

4. Career-Ready Pathways

Rather than chasing general degrees, students are moving toward high-ROI, skill-based education. 

Skill-Based Training: There is a growing focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) and industry certifications that lead directly to high-wage jobs in STEM and manufacturing.

ROI Analysis: States like Indiana and Arkansas now require a "Return on Investment" analysis for educational programs, helping students choose pathways with proven wage and employment data. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+will+us+students+overcome+their+poor+us+education+in+2026+google

Comments

The US has lagged in Education since the 1990s. These failed students are on their own.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Teacher Union Membership Decline 2-10-26

Teacher union membership has been experiencing a multi-year decline, particularly following the 2018 Janus Supreme Court ruling, with data through early 2025 showing continued drops in active working members for major organizations like the National Education Association (NEA). While the NEA projects potential growth in 2026 based on recent organizing, membership has faced consistent downward pressure. 

Key details regarding teacher union membership trends: 

Declining Membership: The NEA, the nation's largest teachers union, has reported a steady decline in working members since 2018, with reports in early 2025 showing continued drops, including a loss of over 12,000 working members between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years.

State-Level Declines: State-level affiliates, such as Education Minnesota, have also reported declines in teacher membership, with total membership in some areas dropping 10% since 2018.

Impact of Janus Ruling: The 2018 Supreme Court Janus v. AFSCME ruling, which prohibited public-sector unions from collecting fees from non-members, has significantly contributed to the decline.

Contradictory Outlooks: While some analyses point to continued declines in 2025 and 2026, the NEA predicts growth in 2026 based on new organizing efforts, such as the affiliation of faculty at private colleges.

Support for Unions: Despite membership drops, overall public approval for labor unions remains high, in the 67-71% range, particularly among younger people.

Reasons for Decline: Teachers are choosing to opt out of union membership, with some expressing a desire to avoid financing political or ideological causes. 

Yes, teacher union membership in the U.S. continues to face a multi-year decline as of 2026, though the trend varies by organization and region. 

National Membership Trends

National Education Association (NEA): The nation’s largest union has seen consecutive annual losses since 2018. Federal filings for the 2023–24 school year showed a drop to roughly 2.84 million members, a loss of nearly 18,000 from the previous year. This downward slide is projected to continue through 2026, even as the union attempts to organize new sectors like private colleges.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT): In contrast to the NEA, the American Federation of Teachers has reported membership growth, reaching 1.8 million members by 2025. This growth is partially attributed to aggressive organizing in healthcare and higher education, as well as the 2023 affiliation of the 44,000-member American Association of University Professors. 

State-Level Declines

State-specific data highlights sharper declines in areas with recent legislative changes:

Florida: The Florida Education Association lost over 20,000 members (a 15% drop) since 2023 following a law that ended automatic dues deductions.

Minnesota: Education Minnesota reported a decline in both active and student-teacher members in its 2025 federal reports, with total membership down 10% since 2018.

Arkansas: The state's teacher union reportedly saw a 36% drop in dues revenue in a single year due to similar legislative shifts. 

Key Drivers of the Trend

Janus v. AFSCME (2018): This Supreme Court ruling continues to impact membership by allowing public sector employees to opt out of paying "fair share" fees while still receiving union representation.

Legislative Attacks: At least half a dozen states have enacted or proposed ending payroll deductions for union dues, which NEA leadership identifies as a "real threat" to retention.

Teacher Shortages: Declines are often tied to fewer people entering the profession and higher turnover; every U.S. state reported teacher shortages for the 2024–25 school year. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+teacher+union+membership+declining+in+the+us+2026+google

Comments

Frustration over teaching an inadequate curriculum is sufficient evidence to explain the short tenure.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Public School Pension Plans 2-10-26

No, public school pension plans are not only available to union member teachers. 

Public school pensions, often called Teacher Retirement Systems (TRS) or Public School Employee Retirement Systems (PSERS), are state-mandated retirement benefits available to most full-time public school employees regardless of their union status. 

Here are the key details:

Eligibility is Based on Employment, Not Union Membership: In most states, if you are a full-time, permanent, or certified employee of a public school system, you are automatically enrolled in the state's retirement system as a condition of employment.

Coverage Extends Beyond Teachers: These systems cover not only classroom teachers but often school administrators, bus drivers, custodial staff, and cafeteria workers.

Non-Union Teachers Get Pensions: You do not need to be part of a union to receive a pension. If you work in a covered position, you pay into the system and receive benefits upon retirement, as long as you meet the state's vesting requirements.

Distinction Between Public and Private: While nearly 90% of public school teachers are covered by a pension plan (whether they are in a union or not), this is much rarer in private schools.

Vesting Requirements: While the plan is open to all, you must work for a specific number of years—often 5 to 10 years depending on the state—to be "vested" and entitled to a full pension. 

In summary, as long as you are employed in a covered position (typically half-time or more) within a public school system, you are eligible for the pension plan, regardless of whether you pay union dues. 

No, public school pension plans are not restricted to union members. In most states, participation in a public retirement system is a mandatory condition of employment for all eligible public school employees, regardless of whether they join a union. 

Core Eligibility for Public School Pensions

Eligibility is primarily determined by employment status rather than union affiliation. 

Mandatory Enrollment: Most full-time public school employees are required by law to participate in their state’s teacher retirement system (TRS).

Employment Type: In states like Georgia, "certified" personnel (teachers, administrators) are typically enrolled in a Teachers Retirement System (TRS), while "classified" personnel (bus drivers, custodians, nutrition staff) are enrolled in a separate Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS).

Vesting Requirements: To receive a pension, an employee must be "vested," which usually requires completing a minimum number of years of service (e.g., 10 years in many states). 

Differences Between Union Membership and Pension Plans

While they are often discussed together, they serve different functions:

Key Retirement Stats for 2026

For teachers nearing retirement in 2026, the following benchmarks generally apply:

Full Retirement Age: Often 60 years old with at least 10 years of service, or at any age with 30 years of service.

2026 Contribution Limits: For those using supplemental accounts like a 403(b) or IRA, the 2026 contribution limit is $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+) and $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+), respectively.

Social Security Fairness Act: Under new legislation as of 2025-2026, many retired teachers in states like Georgia may see an increase in their Social Security benefits due to the elimination or reduction of previous penalties for public sector pension recipients. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=are+public+school+pension+plans+only+available+to+union+member+teachers+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader