On Monday, April 2, my mom joined tens of thousands of teachers, students, and other supporters of educational funding from all throughout the state to storm the capital and demand more money for schools and teachers. My mom is not a teacher, but she works at Jenks West Elementary School as a nurse. This is her fourth year as the school's nurse. She is on a teacher's salary and suffers from some of the same difficulties teachers face due to Oklahoma's low education funding.

In 2016, Oklahoma was ranked 49th in the nation for teacher salaries, with the average salary being a little over $45,000 (NEA Rankings and Estimates Report 16-17). Even that number, however, is higher than what most teachers make since the average also includes the salaries of administrators. According to the US Census Bureau, Oklahoma spends $8,751 per student (2016). It ranks 47th in education funding in the US.

My mom, Lorna Spencer, was on one of twelve busses full of teachers, students, and community members headed to the capital on April 2. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a high school marching band, the National Education Association (NEA), and the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA), who offered them words, and music, of encouragement. They proceeded to peacefully march around the capital, holding signs declaring their intent. My mom made a sign that said, "We're not walking out on your children, we're fighting for their future."

She went to the office of Senator Nathan Dahm, who was, unfortunately, unavailable to hear her plea. She left a message with him imploring him to vote for increased education funding. He has previously voted against it. She later went to Representative Ross Ford's office to thank him for his prior support for education funding. He has voiced his support for the current house bill 1010xx, which increases education funding.

Contrary to what the media is saying, the purpose of the walkouts is not solely for teachers to receive a higher salary. The main goal is to fund the education of the students so they can compete better on the national stage and have higher chances of success later in life.

Of the nearly 600 students at her school, my mom has probably seen all of them in her clinic at some point. She is responsible for their health. Many of the students have asthma, allergies, diabetes, and other health issues. Her goal is to remove health-related barriers to learning. She provides lice tests, vision and hearing screenings, and a clinic on heart health, along with her countless day-to-day efforts to improve and maintain the health of the students. While she could be making considerably more money at a hospital, she enjoys helping the students and building a rapport with them.

Speaking of her thoughts on the walkout and education funding, my mom said,

"If it were a football team, 50th would not be good enough. The coach would be fired."