The credibility anchor
Every number. Every source. Nothing hidden.
This is the research appendix. Conservative assumptions are called out openly — they make the case stronger, not weaker. Hover any “sourced” badge for the calculation and primary source.
The Pool
From 137 billion swipes to $68.6 billion a year.
The Classroom Team Model
One team serves 56 students a year — with 20% of paid hours protected for planning.
1 classroom team = 1 lead teacher + 2 teachers + 1 paraprofessional, serving 56 students a year across 56,160 student-learning-hours — with 20% of paid hours protected for planning.
The 20% Protected-Planning Commitment
This is not a loophole. It's the reason teachers don't burn out.
- 55% Direct classroom instruction
- 25% Prep, grading, family communication
- 20% Protected planning & professional development
Source: EdWeek Research Center / Merrimack College Teacher Survey 2022 · NEA Educator Pay 2025.
Per Citizen
The full staffing cost per adult, fully loaded. Round-ups already cover a fifth of it on day one.
The 15-Year Independence Curve
The hours the pool must fund alone shrink as choice programs and local match co-fund network schools — until spare change carries it all.
Co-funding assumptions: 35+ state money-follows-the-child programs (EdChoice 2025) · state/local match. Cost model: NEA 2024-25 · BLS 2024 · College Board 2025.
Run It Yourself
Move the slider. The model recomputes live.