Teachers rally for better pay, benefits across Arkansas

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Amid talks amongst lawmakers, academics are preventing to be paid higher for the work they do frequently.

On Tuesday, July 26, dozens of academics lined up on the Jonesboro Municipal Heart, holding indicators like “Academics will keep for higher pay” and “One-time bonus doesn’t equal a elevate”.

A type of on the rally was Angela Cooley, a sixth-grade math instructor on the Jonesboro Math and Science Magnet Faculty.

Cooley mentioned academics have at all times been paid little, however after listening to concerning the latest particular session in Little Rock over the excess of cash, in addition to feedback by District 20 Senator Dan Sullivan, it confirmed her one thing wanted to alter.

“When the governor first began speaking to legislators about doing the excess elevate for academics and employees, superintendents reached out, principals reached out,” she mentioned.

Cooley defined Jonesboro Public Faculties has sufficient of a pupil physique to generate sufficient income for pay and advantages, however small rural colleges are usually not that fortunate.

“Once you have a look at some smaller rural colleges, they don’t have hundreds of scholars. They don’t usher in as a lot cash to pay their academics, and people are those which might be making that 36-thousand,” she mentioned. “I’m grateful my district is in a position to do this, however I acquired to struggle for different academics who can’t.”

Cooley mentioned the struggle is much from over, including there can be a rally on the Little Rock capitol on Aug. 7, the place she can be joined by different educators in Northeast Arkansas and the state.

“E mail your legislators, e mail your senators, e mail your consultant, e mail all these individuals. Let’s struggle for our pay,” she exclaimed.

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