Locals react after news of teachers going on strike

Teachers do not want to walk out, but they will if they have to.

“With over 57,000 votes and tallied, 78 percent of the school employees in this state said yes,” said Joe Thomas, president of Arizona Education Association.

The logistics of a walkout will vary by district.

Many parents are concerned about what will happen to students when teachers do walk out.

Gadsden Elementary School Superintendent, Ray Aguilera said they are contemplating their options.

“Number one is to continue, as usual, if not that many people walk out we can call it a half a day…the last option that we want to do is close the school district,” Aguilera said.

Parents we spoke to said they support the walkout.

“I am a parent, I understand, whatever a teacher needs to do to get their voice heard is important,” Maci Marquez said.

Isabel Lopez, another parent, added: “I support them because I’ve always thought that teachers do not get paid enough and they really should cause they do a lot for us.”

One example out of many is San Luis High School AP Literature teacher, Ms. Quiram, who is an advocate for the movement and said she works double shifts to make ends meet.

She says her classroom is made up of books she has purchased herself.

For that reason, many educators have emphasized this is beyond raising salaries.

“It’s not about greed it’s about funding a good education for students and making sure we can do our best job for the students,” said Maria Camacho, principal at Ed Pastor Elementary School.