Public schools have been closed the past two days in the result of West Virginia teacher going on strike for higher wages. The teachers rallied outside outside of the state Capitol starting last Thursday Feb. 22, in protest to Governor Jim Justice's pay raise that didn't go far enough and continued until their complaints are heard. West Virginia teachers pay ranks among the lowest in the nation.

The states budget leaves teachers feeling neglected and unvalued. Jim Justice tweeted, "We need to keep our kids and teachers in the classroom," in concern to the strike. The state’s attorney general has also said, "the strike is “unlawful. This illegal work stoppage affects hundreds of thousands of students and families across our state."

As of today, Feb. 27th, Jim Justice announced a 5% raise for West Virginia educators next year. According to WHSV News, "Legislation has to approve the proposal, Jim Justice said teachers approve of this proposal."

But what to the teachers have to say about this? How are they reacting to Jim Justice's statements? We need to pay attention to what the teachers are saying because they truly are the foundation of everything.

Codie Elliot, a Marshall University music education major, said, "I believe teachers deserve way more than what they are now. People have to be taught how to do their job somehow. That starts with their ABC’s in elementary to getting their high school diploma or degree in college. Teachers raise your doctors, scientists, football coaches, other teachers, musicians, and everything in between. If I’m going to school for 4-6 years to teach your kids the basic necessities of life, then I deserve more than $32,000 starting pay. PEIA takes a good portion of that, and their coverage is going down every year."

Olivia Dean, a Lincoln County substitute teacher, said, "I don’t think the raise will be enough because that’s not what we want. That’s not what started the whole stoppage. Our main concern is PEIA. We are seriously shocked that our union reps are even seemingly okay with this. I, along with many other teachers, don’t think we should go back to work yet until there’s actual proof that they intend on fulfilling their promises. Right now, it’s just words. There is no bill in writing saying this raise happen or that they’re diligently working. Toward a permanent PEIA fix, therefore they could go back on their words at any time."

Anna Blakeman, a Kanawha county teacher, said, "I honestly don't know how to feel because there are so many things that didn't get answered. We don't know where the money is coming from, there isn't an immediate fix to our insurance, and they didn't mention a thing about putting unqualified teachers in classrooms. Also, this new "fix" has to pass the senate and the house within 24 hours or it doesn't happen, and I'm not very confident that it will pass the senate."

Although the 5% raise is necessary, the question about what PEIA will do is still up in the air. Teachers are still concerned what the result will be.