The leader of the state’s largest teacher’s union said Monday’s planned walkout over low pay and funding for schools could end up being more of a one-day celebration if lawmakers can approve a deal this week. “Teachers will be here on April 2,” said Oklahoma Education Association President Alicia Priest. A starting teacher in Oklahoma makes $31,600, and the average teacher salary ranks 49th among the states and District of Columbia, according to the most recent statistics from the National Education Association. Priest called the package a good “first step,” but wouldn’t say if it was enough to avert a prolonged walkout. “I see it as a huge step forward, but it’s definitely lacking,” said Zachary Grimm, a high school Spanish teacher and the president of the local teacher union in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore.

Source: National Post March 27, 2018 22:07 UTC