Thursday morning more than a thousand teachers in Tucson walked onto buses to head to the state capitol to demand action from the Governor Doug Ducey and lesgislation.
Buses picked up Tucson educators in various locations in Tucson.
One of those locations, Congregation Anshei Israel - where more than 100 teachers showed up to take the bus up to Phoenix.
RELATED: One of those locations, Congregation Anshei Israel - where more than 100 teachers showed up to take the bus up to Phoenix.
Tucson teachers getting on the Bus and heading to PHX to demand change in their classrooms. @kgun9 “what’s the plan @dougducey,” teachers chant. pic.twitter.com/zRH6ZYR89V
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) April 26, 2018
The school buses used were Durham School Services, LP and were paid for by the Pima Labor Federation.
Tucson teachers fired up as they head to the state capitol to demand action from Gov. @dougducey ... “we’re #50, make us #1” pic.twitter.com/iLSgAUlkh4
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) April 26, 2018
Here are the demands educators are asking for according to Arizona Educators United:
20% raise for all teaching and certified staff
- 2018-2019 school year
- Built into the salary schedule at the district level, mandated by the state
Competitive wages for all classified staff
- Based on inflation rate of previous year
- Aim to pay job families comparatively/competitively with similar jobs in the local market
- Honor years of experience in school district employment
Return school funding to 2008 levels
- Decrease class sizes to 23:1
- Provide 21st century resources and curriculum materials
No new tax cuts until AZ per-pupil spending reaches national average
- Reapportionment of tax revenue should not hurt programs that help the low socio-economic status families and individuals
- Tax revenue should be generated from sources that are generated within the state economy
Yearly raises until AZ teacher salary reaches the national average
- Steps based on years of experience with no compression or reduction of years that qualify
- Lanes based on amount of education including work beyond an earned degree
Educators say, the movement isn't just about teacher wages but what the resources are in the classroom.
Stay with KGUN9 for more updates on the Historic say in Arizona.
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