Advocacy
#RedforED T
he #RedforED Movement is continuing this school year as educators advocate for the good education that all students must have, and the decent pay and benefits educators deserve. The national movement is taking off in Maine with educators wearing red on Wednesdays, as several local associations fought and continue to fight for the resources and working conditions that both educators and students need to succeed.
Why Now? The movement began after educators in other states, including Oklahoma and West Virginia, walked out to demand a stop to the budget cuts, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated materials that inhibit their ability to provide the support and tools their students need to learn. Educators are also demanding the decent pay and benefits that will attract and retain the dedicated professionals who strive every day to connect with and reach their students. Recent polls show the public supports educators in this effort to advocate for our students and schools.
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Impact on Elections
ed up with politicians who don’t listen to them, at least 15 current and former teachers in Maine chose to run for political office. The goal for many educators, as part of the #RedforEd movement, is to reject politicians who do not support public schools. Henry Ingwersen
As a classroom teacher and educational leader for over 25 years, I understand that getting a good start in life should be available for every child in Maine, regardless of where they live. Equal access to a good education is vital to Maine’s economy. When I get to Augusta I will work hard to ensure that the will of the voters is followed by supporting a fair school funding formula.
A new Economic Policy Institute study shows that teacher pay continues to erode, in comparison with the pay for professionals in other careers. This “teacher pay penalty”—the percent by which public school teachers are paid less than comparable workers—hit a new high, of nearly 19 percent, in 2017.
What’s Next? Continue to show your support for our public schools and students and wear red every Wednesday during the school year. Even if your school or district isn’t negotiating a contract, or doesn’t have any budget issues, the visual of all educators in red sends a strong message that we, as a group, are united together to support a common cause. Now is the time to advocate for change. MEA/NEA gives educators a voice to advocate for better pay, benefits and working conditions that have long been ignored. Educators in Maine, and across the nation, deserve, and have earned, pay and benefits that match their expertise, education and professional experience. Make sure you use your voice to speak up for your students. The MEA is always seeking the first-hand stories from those in our schools-we want to know what issues you’re facing, what you need to be successful and how MEA can help. Connect with MEA today! Email us at editor@maineea.org It’s time we push public officials to make funding decisions that better account for school needs! 14
Maine Educator • November 2018
Jan Dodge
One of the reasons I’m running is the push-back I received on the “Stand Up For Students” referendum question enactment, even after it was passed by Maine voters. Short term fixes are not enough. I hope to host a wonderful celebration when an education funding mechanism is enacted! Our students are too important, and as a retired teacher I knew it was time to talk the talk and walk the walk.
Jennie Butler
Educators deserve a seat at the table in Augusta. For too long education policies and budgets have been decided with little or no input from educators. It is crucial to invest in education from pre-k to workforce training in Maine because that is how we will keep and attract younger people.
