Day: April 26, 2018

In support of our hard-working, under paid and under appreciated teachers

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The Arizona Daily Star does not do regular editorial opinions like many newspapers, but today the Star editorialized in support of our hard-working, under paid and under appreciated teachers. Star Opinion: We stand with Arizona educators:

The Arizona Legislature has been short-changing and devaluing public school educators and students for at least two decades.

The bill has finally come due. What seems like a whirlwind of public protests has been simmering for years, as educators waited — and waited — for the Legislature’s action to match lawmakers’ campaign rhetoric on supporting education.

They’ve reached a breaking point. And they’re right. Educators are taking a risk by walking out. We respect their fortitude and support their cause.

Thousands of Arizona educators are walking off the job Thursday morning to protest their low pay, untenable working conditions and the state’s long-standing refusal to do what is necessary to adequately fund public schools while offering tax cuts to corporations.

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Colorado teachers are also walking out today

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It is not just Arizona teachers who are walking out today. Colorado teachers are also walking out today.

The Denver Post reports, Thousands of Colorado teachers expected to march to the state Capitol on Thursday and Friday, seeking pension fix and higher pay:

The first wave hits Thursday, followed by a bigger one Friday.

In all, thousands of teachers from mostly Front Range school districts are expected to march to the state Capitol on both days to demand more state funding for schools and a fix for the state’s pension plan for public employees.

ColoradoTeachers

Teachers from Douglas County and Jefferson County school districts are rallying at the Capitol on Thursday, while teachers from Denver Public Schools — the state’s largest district — will join educators from Aurora, Boulder Valley and Cherry Creek and 20 or so other districts at the statehouse on Friday.

Douglas County parents were notified over the weekend that classes would be canceled Thursday because so many teachers were walking out to join the “Days of Action” at the Capitol. The district made its decision reluctantly, Interim Superintendent Erin Kane told parents.

“However, with over 500 or our educators out, we will simply not be able to provide a safe and effective learning environment for all of our students,” Kane said.

At least four Colorado school districts will be closed Thursday and almost 30 will be shuttered Friday because of teacher walkouts as educators demand that more money be sent to schools to help pay for the most basic classroom supplies, CEA members said.

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