as educators and supporters of public education took part in CTA’s #RedForEd Day of Action to show solidarity with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and . From Lincoln to El Segundo, Ontario to Fremont, Oxnard to Azusa, #RedForEd-clad educators held rallies before walking in to schools together to shout out loud and clear that CTA stands with UTLA teachers who will go on strike Monday and OEA educators who are not far behind.
“California educators want to be in the classroom with their students. Yet far too many are challenged to teach with dwindling resources, deteriorating schools, and class sizes that prevent them from giving each child the attention they deserve,” said CTA President Eric C. Heins, who walked in with educators at Rosa Parks Middle School in Sacramento. “Districts like those in Los Angeles and Oakland are not doing right by students or by educators. They have cut resources and ignored educators for far too long. We are unified in our support for each other, and in our fight to make sure all our students have the resources they need to succeed.”
UTLA is negotiating over the weekend, but will be on strike Monday, Jan. 14, if an agreement is not reached. OEA is this Saturday, Jan. 12, at 12:00 noon at the Oakland City Hall Ogawa Plaza.
Educators across California, nationwide and even internationally sent photos of their rallies and messages of solidarity to UTLA, OEA and every teacher standing up for high-quality public schools that students deserve. Below is just a few of these photos (see all the solidarity ) and a selection of messages sent from across the country:
“Iowa educators are standing with you!”
Mary Jane Cobb, Iowa State Education Association
“We are with you today, tomorrow, and every day after that.”
KelleyAnn Morris, New Jersey Education Association
“Standing in support of each of you as you fight for your students and the profession.”
Linda Powell, North Carolina Association of Educators
“I support our UTLA brothers and sisters in their fight for better, safer schools for their students!”
Margaret Vollmer, Fontana Teachers Association
“You create the future! We are with you!”
Christian Castro, Teamsters Local 911,
“San Antonio is with you! Thank you for standing strong for your students and for public education.”
Shelley Potter, San Antonio Alliance, Local 67
“I appreciate what you are doing for students. The whole country is watching. YOU will improve public education for all!”
Sarah Morrison, Glendale Teachers Association
“CTA Hermanos y Hermanas!”
Lily Eskelsen Garcia, NEA President
“Best of luck with your important campaign in an era where education is so important. Solidarity!”
Aisling O’Beirn, University and College Union, Belfast, Northern Ireland
“Thank You, UTLA, for taking a courageous stand for students!”
Cathy Koehler, Arkansas Education Association
“Pennsylvania’s 181,000 members stand with you!”
Rich Askey, Pennsylvania State Education Association
“Fighting for students is the fight for our future! Thank you for standing up and making your voices heard. There is so much power in collective action. I am inspired by your efforts!”
Trent Lutz, Oregon Education Association
“Thank you for staying strong in the face of adversity! Your students are lucky to have you!”
Matt Corcoran, Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association
“Vermont stands with you brothers and sisters!”
Carrie Emerson, Vermont State Organization
“Nurses stand behind California educators!”
Rachel Cornel, California Nurses Association
“Solidarity from Dundee, Scotland!”
Stuart Brown, Educational Institute of Scotland
“Classified employees support our teachers!”
Diana Kennedy, CSEA Lancaster Chapter 297
“We in Chicago are proud of you for standing up for what your students need. Your working conditions are their learning conditions. Stay strong!”
Susanna Lang, Chicago Teachers Union
“Sending solidarity and the strength of your union sisters and brothers in Cincinnati Federation of Teachers as you stand strong for your students and for public education! Remember you have support NATIONWIDE!”
Amy Guzi Parkinson, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers Local 1520
