The Red for Ed Rally was buzzing for days before the march that took over downtown Phoenix. Teachers would ask one another if they were going. Student teachers inquiring if the school would truly be shut down and what was their role in all of this.
Sam Montalbano, 19, student-teacher at Kyrene Elementary shared her confliction with attending the rally, “Do I march with fellow teachers? Or do I take advantage of a free day and work on homework as a student?”
The rally and march left many wondering days before what was their role in all of this. But as the rally day approached everyone who gathered knew exactly who they were.
Regardless of age, race, or job tends of thousands gathered outside Chase Field Stadium and began the couple mile march to the Capitol.
Teachers in Arizona on average make anywhere from 30,000 to 35,000 in their first year. Many of the marchers expressed that they work one to two extra jobs on top of their teaching position that often holds about 40-60 hours a week.
Despite the financial hardships that drew educators to the march, teachers were greatly encouraged by the number of parents, students, and children that accompanied the journey.
“Showing my children how important it is to rise up when bullies take advantage of you is the best lesson they’ll learn all year,” commented Marie Blanco, a homeschool teacher, and mother of three.
As the Capitol approached excitement grew. The rally began in the later afternoon with a varying lineup of educators, politicians, and other community leaders.
While the rally commenced, many teachers would be found taking some of their students into the Capitol building and teaching them a bit of Arizona’s history.
”This is what I’m made to do. I wish it supported me financially,” Bree Caroll, 29, middle school teacher, joked. “But we’re all the way here, I might as well take advantage of this moment.”
The rally continued into the evening and the buzz continued to spread as Colorado and Washington had a couple of Red for Ed rallies in the following weeks.
Ashley Bills, 34, an art teacher in Santa Rosa, Calif. said, “I’m very proud of the educators in Arizona. They are paving the way for other educators around the country.”
Written by Jessica Lawson