Hundreds of educators from across the state are in Richmond this weekend, considering their next steps in pushing for more state funding. It comes at a time when new numbers show Virginia teachers are paid almost $10,000 below the national average.
Teachers took to the streets during the Virginia Education Association’s annual convention. Mary Gaddis from Alexandria says support staff like her are asked to do more each year.
“But yet our pay is low. Like a living wage, we can’t even really live!” Gaddis said as she marched.
Educators here are learning how to lobby lawmakers for higher funding. But many are ready to ramp up the pressure -- pointing to strikes in West Virginia and Colorado.
“We’re going to get there. We’re going to get there eventually, because we put kids first, whatever it takes. Everyday. No matter what,” said Tonya Tillman, a special education teacher in Hampton.
VEA Vice President James Fedderman says that so far, educators in Virginia have been pushing strategically.
“As we seek greater funding, you know when we’re asking and we’re trying to do things the correct way and we’re constantly being told no,” Fedderman said. “It kind of leads us to a more aggressive approach.”
Virginia lawmakers did approve a 5-percent raise this year. But according to the National Education Association the pay gap between Virginia teachers and the rest of the nation is still growing.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
