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[Sponsored Content] Time for change—Helping teachers helping students

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Last year, teachers in Louisiana were paid 10.8% less than what they were paid in 2008. Most Louisiana school employees, including teacher aides, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and others make below $23,000 a year—often having to supplement their income with food stamps and second jobs to provide for their own families.

“As a teacher and a single parent, I work to provide for both my child and my students. I tutor in the afternoons. I teach summer school. I’ve worked as a store clerk and pizza delivery person. Sometimes I drive for a ride sharing service on the weekends. I do a lot of things to make ends meet because I don’t make enough in my career.”
—Valencia Johnson, teacher at EBR school

EBR Elementary School teacher Anita Augustus

Teachers across the country are walking out of their classrooms in hopes of earning better wages. Those outside of the education profession may read the headlines and grumble to themselves about teachers having summers off. If you have a teacher or other school employee in your life, you know the amount of time and dedication they put into their jobs.

“When we say there needs to be an increase in school funding, we’re not just talking about the need to increase pay for school employees. We’re talking about our state providing our schools with the funding needed to keep up with the needs of the 21st-century student.”
—Anita Augustus, teacher at EBR school

Louisiana voters must recognize the role they play in this important issue and focus on the need for long-term investments in our schools. If you agree, share the message. These decisions affect our community as a whole. Take action to help LAE rally for adequate school funding. Geaux Red for Ed Louisiana aims to raise awareness and public support around investing in our schools. Click here to learn more and voice your opinion.