According to this fall’s PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public School, more than two-thirds of the public say teachers are paid too little. An inspiring 78 percent of public school parents
(and 73 percent of the public) say they would support educators in their own communities if they went on strike for higher pay. Two-thirds of Americans believe teacher salaries are too low.
Am I surprised? No, I’m not. After working side by side with NEA members for two decades, seeing how much you devote to your students—while receiving low compensation, and with few resources—I am not surprised to learn that a majority of parents and community members see and appreciate your effort and abilities. But I am disappointed that so many state legislators are blind to the needs of public school educators and students, and that an educator-led movement like #RedForEd—which we explore in this issue—is necessary.
Sparked by fed-up, red-shirted West Virginia educators and carried across the nation by crimson tides of educators in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Colorado, North Carolina, and Arizona, #RedForEd has become a nationwide movement of NEA members and allies who are raising their voices to protect public schools. I urge you to join them at NEAToday.org/RedForEd.
With Election Day approaching, I also urge you to read the profiles of your colleagues who are running for office this fall. “In November, I believe we will see a whole new level of change as educators win office,” Oklahoma teacher- candidate Jennifer Esau told NEA Today.
I believe it, too!
Elsewhere in these pages, read about the tsunami of mental health issues in our schools and classrooms. And finally, to help you prepare for conversations at the holiday table and elsewhere, check out our “comeback” guide for educators.
In solidarity!
