A little while ago, my teachers started wearing Red on Wednesday’s. Little did I know, that was the beginning of making history.
For the last few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of standing by my teacher’s sides every Wednesday morning to demand change. But now, it’s even more real.
When I first got word of a potential walkout, I honestly didn’t think much of it. I don’t think any student did. We all thought that a walk in would make a change happen.
On Wednesday, April 18th, an overwhelming 78% of Arizona Teachers voted yes to walking out of school until demands were met.
And now, on Thursday, April 26th, it begins.
School was canceled. No one knows what will happen. No one knows when everything will go back to normal.
But as a student, I couldn’t be more honored to be taught by so many miraculous people who are making history.
I’ve seen and heard countless reactions to the walkout from different students. Some are worried about Graduation, some are worried about AP Testing, and some really just don’t want to stay longer than the original calendar entails.
But, it’s just one year.
I don’t care if I have to stay an extra day, week, or however long is required. I don’t care if I graduate on Friday instead of Thursday. I don’t care if I don’t receive my actual diploma at my Graduation Ceremony until the missed days are made up.
It’s worth it. Little bumps in the road are nothing compared to the reward this walkout demands.
If nothing changes for teachers and schools in Arizona, then who are we to say that there will even be teachers to come in the long run?
When I was first exploring degree options, one of my first interests was Elementary Education. But that interest was short lived because I knew that the pay I would receive just wouldn’t be enough. Students like me have seen our teachers struggle for so many years, so do you really think anyone who even decides to major in Education will plan to stay in Arizona with the pay teachers receive now? No.
Not only are the teachers in Arizona walking out for themselves, but they’re walking out for the new teachers to follow who deserve better.
Us students are proud, our parents are proud, our friends and co workers are proud. Teachers are not alone. They have a strong force standing right behind them. And we will continue to stand behind them for however long it takes for things to finally change.
