CNN PRODUCER NOTE     Phil Dietrich is a fifth grade teacher in Portage, Indiana. He says it is hard for him to tell how forced spending cuts will impact him and his students. 'In the past, my district has tried to keep budget cuts as far from the classroom as possible. In other words, they have -- and I’m sure will continue to -- make every effort to meet their federal obligations while preserving as much personnel as possible.'

But despite his district's attempt in the past to keep teachers and staff after budget cuts, he says he is still worried. 'I’m sure all professions, education and otherwise, have felt the tightening of budgets. My biggest fear is what this will mean for our kids. I worry that technology which prepares students to compete globally will be seen as luxuries, not necessities, and thereby put our students behind the 8 ball,' he said.

He says he is disappointed with Congress for letting the forced spending cuts come into effect. 'Everyone is affected. We’re not alone. But what I would like Congress to cut is the political theater that has in many ways led to this day. I see the spending cuts as being symptomatic of a much deeper problem,' he said.
- Jareen, CNN iReport producer