Famous Last Words: Am I Staying in Oklahoma?

Image: Teacher Walkout

I am fairly certain that everyone has heard at least some of the news surrounding the teacher walkout in Oklahoma.  Starting on Monday, thousands of teachers went to the Oklahoma state capitol to protest several things regarding education in Oklahoma.  Oklahoma teachers have not received a raise in ten years, while their insurance premiums have continued to rise.  This has resulted in their take home salaries dropping drastically.  Several districts across the state have had to drop down to four-day-school weeks, because they cannot afford to be open five days a week.  Schools all across the state have had to drop activities, reduce the number of field trips, and cut back on many other programs and opportunities for the students.  My teacher friends have been sharing pictures of the state of the textbooks their students  have to use and it makes me want to cry.  I have heard that several teachers have about twenty books for over seventy kids, because their district cannot afford to buy new ones.  Most history books in this state still list George Bush as the president.  If you want to learn more about what has been happening and why, this article is a great place to start.

I have known about many of the problems these schools have been facing for quite some time.  My mom works in the office at my old high school and I have been volunteering there for nearly ten years.  I have seen what these teachers and other staff have donated out of their pockets so these kids can have amazing opportunities.

About three years ago, I started working at my old high school during the summer as a teaching assistant.  That summer, I fell in love with teaching.  I knew after my first day that I wanted to become a teacher.  Sadly, I knew just how rough it would if I tried to stay in this state as a teacher.  I had many conversations with my coworkers and my teacher friends about how badly I want to teach, but at this pay it just will not be possible for me because of student loans.  They all agreed and gave me suggestions on what I could do.  My plan for the last couple of years has been to go teach abroad once I finish with my undergraduate degree.  This last week, watching the walkout news, I decided that does not have to be my only option.  I plan on standing out at the capitol all day tomorrow, because I want to stay and I am going to help in this fight.  These students deserve better.