Our comic, "W is for Workers," explores the legacy of anti-worker legislation and how it directly impacts the state of public education today.

Educators have long had increasing day-to-day demands and responsibilities, from bus duty to coaching, counseling to leading additional classes, and buying basic supplies for their classes. Yet they are not paid for their expertise, expenses, and time. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that teachers earn 19 percent less than comparable professionals, while the Learning Policy Institute reports that the wage gaps widens to 30 percent by mid-career.

Inadequate educator pay comes at a high cost for schools and children, who must deal with the ramifications of high turnover and teacher shortages. Our students in high-poverty schools see the greatest turnover.

None of this happened by chance. In order to protect the wealth and power of a select few, politicians and their corporate backers have spent decades implementing policies designed to weaken worker power, divide everyday communities, and reroute public school funding. 

Now, educators are fighting back and across the country, we are winning change! From staff strikes to the #RedForEd Movement to union advocacy in every state, we are creating real impact, including pay raises, dedicated planning time, additional staff, and more.

Read on to learn this important history and to get inspired to join the movement for educators, students, and schools!