Teachers walk in with Crane Schools to show support

Earlier this week Crane School District announced most of their schools would still be in session despite the statewide walkout.

That is why educators and supporters in Yuma chose to take a stand with their colleagues who did not walk out and walked in with them Friday.

Many shared their thoughts on the movement.

Several teachers clad in red shirts stood on the sidewalks still chanting “Red for Ed.”

Jessica Martinez, a local teacher said, “Today we wanted to support those Crane District teachers so we all came together and decided to support them in their walk-ins.”

Crane educators who support the movement, but had to go to work, still walked in.

Julio Bush, also a local teacher, said, “I heard from our colleagues that there were only five people here yesterday and today we gave them the support that they needed.”

The same support educators wish they had from the legislature on Thursday.

Despite the legislature putting off work until Monday, supporters believe standing by their word is key.

“I feel like, at the end of the day, that is what the legislature wants. They’re gonna fold, they are gonna give out because at the end of the day, money is at the root of all this and we cannot waver. We cannot waver, we need to continue putting on the pressure,” said Isaac Iniguez, a substitute teacher.

Isaac Iniguez is a substitute teacher and one of the thousands of support staff on strike for free.

“I effectively right now am not getting paid. Whenever there is school missing I am not getting paid, when days are made up at the end of the year I am not going to get a check for the day…I am at the bottom,” Iniguez said.

So why walk?

He said he is tired of seeing limited resources in classrooms.

“I have walked into multiple classrooms and I see people make miracles with the supplies they have with the limited resources they have in their classrooms,” added Iniguez.

Iniguez like many said he is dedicated to the cause and will continue to march in unity with other educators and support staff even if it brings consequences

The Red For Ed Strike will continue on Monday.

13 On Your Side also reached out to the Crane Schools district superintendent Laurie Doering on her decision not to participate in the walkout, but she was not available for an interview.