Hellobee Boards

I didn’t know it was on the brink of strike in that many states. I feel your stress. I have been part of a teacher strike before. It lasted about 3 weeks if memory serves me correctly but I can’t remember exactly because I was on a paid break. I remember a senior teacher offering to float me a loan as I was single, living by myself with no family nearby. I was so thankful to have that security and kindness as my family was broke and I had been financially on my own for awhile. Anyway I feel for you. Look at the union and banks that are supportive. They offered some loan support, often with no interest during strike time. I wonder if mortgage company is willing to give loan forebearance for a financial hardship. If you have a 403b you may also get a no interest loan against a portion of your investments. When the strike is settled, there is a good chance they will give you back pay so hang in there.
It is so important for teachers to be involved in policy decisions, during strikes or not. We need to help out one another in order for the legislators to take care of people who have the burden, privilege and responsibility to reach our future generation- over 1000 hours a year per student-at the elementary school. And that is just face time. Not counting the hundreds of planning, designing, research and communications hours.

I have been paying attention. The realities of pay, school conditions, and student supplies is shocking.

@Anagram: I can’t believe there are no pay raises! That’s insane. I’m so proud to have a strong teachers union here in NY! I wish other states paid their teachers better.

I'm not a teacher, but it's been on my radar. I'm sorry it's come to this, and I wish you the best of luck if you do strike. Teachers deserve better.

@DesertDreams88: thinking of you and wishing you and your fellow teachers a good outcome