Walkout - Teacher Unions and Activism by Ashley Whitaker

Q1

2024-09-27 18:04:08 UTC

As stated in the article, I think their efforts didn't make an immediate impact due to the lengthy process of changing laws and regulations in regard to teacher contracts. However, it definitely started to push and drive many districts to consider new contracts. The teachers ultimately are still fighting to get everything they want, but they are taking baby steps in the right direction.

Q2

2024-09-27 18:14:19 UTC

If I was in their shoes, I would have joined in to stand up for what I believe in. If you want change, action needs to be taken. The teachers were faced with many issues that were not being taken care of in an appropriate matter or at all. The video talked about the many realities teachers are faced with daily- such as not having time for lunch, not getting enough PTO, and extremely low salaries (can't afford to have and raise a family.) The contractual time frame is not enough time for teachers to do all the work that they need to do. It is crazy to think the expectations that teachers are held to, yet they can't afford to have a life outside of the classroom unless they have multiple streams of income. If I was put in a scenario to the extent of theirs, I would take a stance for change.

Image & Reflection

2024-09-27 18:40:24 UTC

I chose a picture that reflects frustration. Having been in the field for roughly 3 years now and recognizing the hardships that comes along with it - the teachers in the video feel frustration, sadness and hopelessness. Walkouts and protests are "actions of the unheard" according to the video. I think that phrase is very accurate to how the teachers were feeling. Bills were being passed in the days leading up to the walkout, but it was still not enough, and they needed more revenue. Education is not taken seriously or valued by the country; it is a deeper than just an Oklahoma issue it is a national issue. Teachers are not paid their value and should be paid enough so they can live comfortably. It is deeper than teachers just asking for a pay raise but providing them with opportunities and experience that value everything they have done/are doing.

Photo Reflection

mchacon68 — 2024-09-29 15:36:04 UTC

I chose this fist because to me, it shows power and revolution. While the teachers didn't get the resolve they had hoped for, they did start a revolution. Many districts and states are fighting for equal rights for educators. But this fight is more powerful with the power of unity.

Response to Question 1

mchacon68 — 2024-09-29 15:38:30 UTC

I do think that the teachers' efforts made an impact. While working conditions weren't changed right away, they did start to bring awareness. Which in turn did make some changes happen years later. Unfortunately, it does take time to make changes happen. Especially when you live in a state that is slow to change, like Oklahoma.

Response to Question 2

mchacon68 — 2024-09-29 15:40:46 UTC

If I were in their shoes, I would have joined the movement. I am a huge supporter of teacher unions (and unions in general). I have seen personally the impact that unions can have in working conditions and how they are there to fight for teachers, students, and their communities. I will always stand with my union and we are more powerful together. We can make change happen, even if it is one step at a time and it takes years to change. But that change is hope for me. Hope for a better treatment for teachers.

2024-09-29 15:47:39 UTC

Yes, I think their efforts made a significant difference. The protests and walkouts brought attention to the issues neglected in public education, specifically what's going on in Oklahoma. The protests and speaking to senators might not have brought immdeidate soltuons, but it influences long-term change in legislation around education.

2024-09-29 15:55:11 UTC

If I was faced with the same situation I would join the walkout as well, using my voice to advocate for systemic improvements in public education for both teachers and students. It's important to stand alongside other educators and students, communities, to fight for better quality in education, with bigger numbers the movement is more likely to be seen and heard.

Q1

2024-10-01 00:59:18 UTC

I absolutely think their efforts made a difference. If we do not at least make an effort to make change for the better then we are doing the kids who just want a good education a disservice.

Q2

2024-10-01 01:02:34 UTC

I would like to think that I would join in taking a stand to make the local schools a better place. It really breaks my heart to see these teachers wanting the best for their students and not being able to provide it for them. It is also sad that these teachers have to consider leaving doing what they love because they cannot afford to raise families. So I think what they did was necessary and I would absolutely stand with them.

Question 1

2024-10-01 02:39:26 UTC

Efren U.

I do believe that the efforts of the teachers did make a difference, although it did not happen right away. Unfortunately, sometimes protests do not have the immediate impact, because of the long and lengthy process of changing laws. Fortunately, what the protests did do was raise awareness to the districts, and began to put pressure on people in charge to consider a change. As the article mentions, the protest did not have the immediate effect but it did plant a seed.

Picture Reflection

2024-10-01 02:47:16 UTC

Efren U

I chose this picture to represent the problem that we see in today's education system, the lack of teachers. Many schools and districts are struggling with low numbers of teachers willing to teach, in many parts because of the unjust system in place. To continue to grow and have great teachers, we must fight for better working wages.

Q2

2024-10-01 02:57:07 UTC

Efren U.

If I was in their shoes I believe I would also join in the walkout and fight for what is ours. Even though it may be hard to have to leave something that you love doing, sometimes it is also worth fighting for it, to be able to give those students the best possible education we can give them. I also believe the more people stand up for the cause, the bigger difference we can hopefully make.

Q1

2024-10-01 19:36:38 UTC

While efforts did not cause immediate change, I do think that the teachers had an impact. They helped bring awareness to issues that may have continued to be neglected by the general population had they not been participating in protests and walk outs. Without at least an effort, there would never be any movement towards change. --Syd

Photo Reflection

2024-10-01 19:39:53 UTC

I chose this image because I think it depicts that there are many people impacted by this issue. In order to continue encouraging having strong educators in our school systems, we need to fight for livable wages for teachers.

Q2

2024-10-01 19:41:36 UTC

If I were in the teachers situation I would have done the same thing. While protests do not create immediate change, it helps to bring issues that are commonly neglected to the forefront of the public eye. In gaining press and media, legislators will be pressured into working towards a solution, in this case livable wages.

Making a Difference

2024-10-01 22:13:04 UTC

I have mixed feelings about whether or not the walkout led to systematic changes that where successful. Did it create noise and bring attention to the issue? Yes. Did it create some changes to the budget and pay scale? Also Yes. Did the walkout create systematic changes that are needed to put education where it needs to be? No. Education continues to fall and suffer, and these band aids are not aggressive enough to overcome the obstacles of teaching until it is too late. Teacher burn out, poor teachers, teachers who do not are, students who aren't being challenged, US being 26th in Education in the World, law-makers are not doing enough until it hurts them( and the US) in the pocketbook. Until we truly value the outcome of education, until we value the work teachers do, until we SHOW this value, things will not get to a point where educators feel they can do their best work.

All Bark, No Bite

2024-10-01 22:25:57 UTC

It is always easier said than done, but I loved the quote " closed mouths don't get fed". I believe that I would have acted as the teachers did in this situation. Like many in the video, I believe that by the point of the walkout, I would be on my last attempt of teaching. Even in my own experience, I have had to work multiple jobs and coach and do other things just to maintain a modest life. There are times now I consider looking to greener pastures. It is extremely sad that people who have a desire to change and impact students' or players' lives are constantly looking for a better alternative. As teachers, we have to understand our worth and be treated as the "professionals" that society claims, and requires, us to be. Unfortunately, things will not improve until things collapse, which ultimately means a generation of students are negatively impacted.

Question 1

2024-10-02 00:21:20 UTC

Although there efforts did not change the outcome immediately, their efforts were still impactful. Change that is being made, especially in this lawful, peaceful approach unfortunately takes a long time. Step by step we our minds change, and our actions follow suit, or the other way around. No matter the case, change is a exhausting, timely pursuit, but a pursuit that is needed.

Question 2

2024-10-02 00:31:57 UTC

If I were in their shoes, I would join and support the movement. In order to see change we must be the change. As the famous line goes, "the squeeky wheel gets the grease," emphasizes that the one that demands the most change will recieve it. Step by step we will make change. But, as stated prior, we must take actions to experience the change and the desired outcome.

William Flaherty

2024-10-07 03:38:08 UTC

I do think that the teachers did make somewhat of a difference. Even though it was not an immediate impact. The teachers clearly made their voices heard, by protesting the teachers were able to bring awareness to many of the problems that have been going on. Obviously by taking the kind of approach they did with a peaceful protest it is going to time for changes to happen

Q2

2024-10-07 03:43:29 UTC

If I was in there shoes I think I would have joined the protest as well. I say this because if you truly believe in something, you should do anything you can to have your voice be heard. Especially when it comes to something as important as this was for the teachers. They tried to go different routes prior to the protest and their concerns/voices were not taken seriously which ultimately lead to the protest taking place. which is why I would like to think that I would take place in this.

Q1

2024-10-14 22:41:50 UTC

Yes, their efforts did make a difference. The Oklahoma teacher walkout led to eventual gains, including a raise for teachers and increased funding for schools. While not all of their demands were met, the protest drew national attention to the underfunding of public education, leading to broader discussions and movements in other states. Their efforts also showed the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for one's rights, even in the face of significant opposition.

Q2

2024-10-14 22:42:11 UTC

If I were in the same situation, I would likely join the movement for change. Teachers are fundamental to society, and ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to succeed is crucial for students' futures. Advocacy through collective protest, coupled with seeking broader community support and engaging with policymakers, would be essential steps to make a meaningful difference in education.

2024-10-14 22:43:50 UTC

The image above reflects the unity and determination of Oklahoma teachers as they stood up for their rights, demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and smaller class sizes. Facing challenges like low wages to overcrowded classrooms, all while striving to provide the best education possible for their students. Their protest not only sheds light on the plight of teachers in Oklahoma but also raises awareness of the systemic issues within the education system across the country. Their courage and solidarity are inspiring, as they fight for a future where educators receive the respect and support they deserve.

2024-10-15 00:38:47 UTC

I Choose this image because it relates to the teachers in the documentary about if there's a chance there will be change. They took a chance in standing up for a change and difference and their efforts ultimately did make a difference. With the eyes of the nation and the attention it drew it led to the importance of recognizing funding teachers and the district support.

Question 2

2024-10-15 00:43:42 UTC

If I were in the shoes of the teachers, I also would've joined them in the protest to show my peers and colleagues I stand with them and support them just as much as I would want the change to benefit myself. The importance of education and supporting our teachers needs to be recognized and taken into action more. With an undergrad in education and putting in over 160 Hours in the classroom, 14 weeks of student teaching, and being able to be in many different districts, it opened my eyes to the lack of support from administration districts. Education is the foundation of our youth's future and it needs to be recognized more in support.