Arizona educators, supporters protest Gov. Doug Ducey’s KTAR visit
Mar 12, 2018, 4:55 PM | Updated: 9:08 pm
(KTAR News/Martha Maurer)
(KTAR News/Martha Maurer)
PHOENIX — A large number of Arizona educators, teachers and supporters gathered outside of KTAR News’ studios in Phoenix on Monday to advocate for higher wages and better treatment.
The protest was organized by Arizona Educators United. A Facebook group promoting the protest had more than 230 people attending.
Teachers are letting their presence be known outside of the @KTAR923 studios today, awaiting the monthly @MacandGaydos exclusive interview with @dougducey.
They want their voices heard. Turn up the volume. 🔊 pic.twitter.com/diwcAxwvse
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) March 12, 2018
Gaydos – At the KTAR studios right now! Teachers protesting outside our studios awaiting the arrival of @dougducey who will join us at 5:15. pic.twitter.com/JN74WGSZmP
— Mac and Gaydos™ (@MacandGaydos) March 13, 2018
The #RedForEd movement showed up and made their voices heard outside of the @KTAR923 studios today during @dougducey’s monthly exclusive interview pic.twitter.com/052fNJk8Tp
— Joseph Huizenga (@JoeHuizenga) March 13, 2018
All of the protesters were wearing red as a part of #RedForED, a movement started by Arizona Teachers United to show support for the state’s teachers and to demand schools be fully funded.
The governor was scheduled to interview with Mac and Gaydos at 5:15 p.m., but the protest started materializing as early as 4 p.m.
The protesters were chanting “What’s the plan, Ducey? What’s the plan?”
“Take a walk in our shoes for a day. Gain awareness,” Rebecca Gerelli, a science and math teacher at the Alhambra School District in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM about what the teachers want Ducey to do.
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There were about 200 people who participated in the protest before the governor showed up. The group started to trickle out after the governor left the studio around 5:45 p.m.
The protest materialized shortly after West Virginia teachers led a 9-day shutdown of schools across the state to push for higher wages. The protest ended after state leaders gave all state teachers a 5 percent raise.
