Arizona Teachers Demand 20 Percent Pay Increase

PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona teachers marched on the state capitol on Wednesday, demanding pay increases, better working conditions, ad more funding for education. More than 2,000 took part in the rally, a part of an ongoing series of Wednesday actions by Arizona Educators United and other groups.

Arizona teachers, emboldened by their colleagues in West Virginia, have been increasing their activities. Last week they staged a sick-out in nine elementary schools that forced them to close for the day.

As Patch reported, the National Education Association – the largest national teacher's organization – says the average pay for teachers in the state is the 37th lowest in the country. Some surveys peg pay in the state even lower.

In addition to higher wages, teachers want education funding returned to the level it was ten years ago. The state legislature determined last year that, when adjusted for inflation, the state spends more than $900 per student less than it did in 2008.

Along with that, the teachers want a guarantee that the state will not cut taxes until per student spending reaches the national average. Currently, the state spends nearly $4,000 less per student than the national average of $11,392.

Photo via Arizona Educators United.