Oklahoma teachers poised for walkout

Due to the recent refusal to deny all educators in the State of Oklahoma a salary increase, there has been growing concern about what is already an imminent event.

According to statements from public school teachers across the state of Oklahoma, teachers are not going to sit idly by after the state legislature flatly denied them a pay raise, not even leaving the door between open to the possibility that at another time the salary increase could be made.

Teacher Larry Cagel, who currently teaches at Edison High School, said the idea of a strike by Oklahoma teachers was not a possibility, it was already a fact. “It's almost certain that we're going to strike,” the teacher said.

Another teacher at Booker T. Washington High School said that this strike had to be something historic in Oklahoma, something that would show that those who are concerned about the issue in the state will be holding hands, including parents who support the cause.

“I'm supporting teachers who want to take the time to act,” said parent Jeff Turner. “I know a strike is drastic, but we are in desperate times.”

“I'm disappointed that this has gotten worse,” said another parent, Shawna Gehres. “I still support the strike, it’s time for a change.”

What is not yet sure is the date on which this strike will start, but several teachers have launched ideas through social networks, that the strike will start the first week of April, taking advantage of the date when standardized tests are sched- uled.

Teachers throughout the state have been interconnecting and communicating to coordinate the strike via postings on social networks.

There is a new Facebook group called “Oklahoma Teacher Walkout - The Time is Now,” which was created just a couple of days ago and quickly obtained over 20,000 followers. On Sunday, the number increased to 40,000 followers.

Teachers who are participating in this movement said that on Wednesday, March 7, there will be a meeting of teachers in Oklahoma City to determine the date on which the strike will begin. (La Semana)