Arizona Schools Are In Crisis -Why We Support #RedForEd

Arizona Schools Are In Crisis -Why We Support #RedForEd

I can easily remember the sense of gratitude that I felt when I finished my first semester in college. My public education in Maryland had prepared me well. I performed so well in my college chemistry course that I was asked to serve as a tutor for other students. Now as a father of two young children (and a third on the way!)  I have my concerns about the longstanding situation facing public education here in Arizona.

It doesn’t take much research to realize that we have a very dire situation in this state. Out of 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Arizona ranks 51st for teachers according to an analysis by wallethub.com. Poor performance of Arizona schools is directly related to low spending per student, high pupil to teacher ratio, and high teacher turnover.
Credit: Phoenix Magazine December 2017 issue

Having reached a breaking point, the grassroots movement #RedForEd has gained significant momentum by actively involving educators, parents, students, and the public. 

 The Red for Ed movement has five stated demands:

1. 20% salary increase
2. Restore education funding to 2008 levels
3. Competitive pay for all education and support staff
4. Permanent salaries including annual raises
5. No new tax cuts until per-pupil funding reaches the national average

Arizona Educators United and the Arizona Education Association are the two organizations behind this movement. They have requested to negotiate directly with Governor Doug Ducey who has refused to meet with organizers. As the #RedForEd movement grew and over 100,000 people recently came together across the state in support of the walk-in demonstrations Governor Ducey then presented a plan to give teachers a 20 percent raise by the year 2020. Many are skeptical of the governor’s current plan because the funding increase was not proposed with a protected source of revenue such as a tax providing an ongoing stream of money. His proposal is based on finding one-time budget dollars taking funding from existing programs such as those serving veterans, universities, and the disabled.  Many have voiced concern of this “robbing Peter to pay Paul” method.  

A walkout is now planned following a statewide vote that included over 57,000 teachers and employees. Of those who voted there was overwhelming support with 78% willing to walk out for this cause.  Criticisms of the upcoming walkout have included inconvenience to parents and unease that it may erode support for educators in our communities. The media has presented #RedforEd in such a way that many have the misconception that it is just about teachers’ salaries. Those behind the movement continue to emphasize a child-centered focus with school funding and support staff included.

It seems obvious that we should all be standing behind our teachers and public schools. We have allowed standards to fall short for far too long in Arizona. We would all agree that our children represent our future. Investing in Arizona’s education today is a clear path towards a brighter tomorrow.

 Here’s how we can show our support to Arizona educators:

1. Call Governor Ducey 602-542-4331 and leave a message; my 7-year-old daughter even took the initiative to make this call!
2. Sign the petition- https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/i-support-a-statewide-walk-out-of-arizona-educators .
3. Join #redfored supporters at a public school near you during walk-in demonstrations, or at the Capitol during the walkout.
4. Things may look and feel different for the children during this time. Use it as a teaching moment and talk to them about the importance of this historic movement.
5. Thank your teachers and support staff for their advocacy and dedication to our children.