First it was the teachers of state of West Virginia,
clamoring for a livable salary.
Their message is now beginning to resonate across the
country in Oklahoma and Kentucky. But the message of these teachers and those
community members who support them is not just about salary. It is about
conditions in schools that are falling apart. It is about textbooks that are
disintegrating and are obsolete. It about schools that have to meet only four
days a week because the district cannot pay for a fifth day of electricity.
There are schools wit ipads for students but no Wi-Fi for them to connect to.
These teachers, who are committed to the success of their students, are
storming the halls of their state legislatures. It is unfortunate that students
are missing school days, but it is hoped that this is short lived and that they
days will be made up. How can we as a nation continue to lead the world in
scientific development and economic prowess if we have substandard schools,
many that been neglected for too long.
The US Secretary of Education is strangely absent on these
matters.
In the meantime, the students, teachers, parents and community
leaders of Parkland, Florida continue on their quest to protect students
through school safety measures and gun control.
According to reports the state of Arizona may be next for teacher activism. As
this drive gathers momentum, it will be up to the public to determine what the future
of education in America will be.
c.2018 J. Margolis
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