Portland teachers are striking for students

Here’s how you can show your solidarity

PORTLAND, Ore. (Nov. 13, 2023) — Since Nov. 1, members of the Portland Association of Teachers have been on strike for their students after months of negotiations with Portland Public Schools. As negotiations continue, the teachers are demanding safe, properly maintained, fully resourced schools in every neighborhood.

TAKE A STAND — If you live in Portland area or southwest Washington, the best way to support Portland educators while they are on strike is to join them on the picket line. They are picketing at all school locations in the district where bargaining unit members work, every day from 7:45 to 10:45 a.m. They are also be hosting daily rallies from noon to 2 p.m. Sign their Solidarity Form and they’ll keep you updated with alerts and actions you can take. Also get updates @PDXteachers.

Here’s the union’s explanation of why they voted to strike.

The Portland Association of Teachers bargaining team has negotiated for months in an attempt to reach an agreement, but PPS continues to ignore the voices within our community and invest in our schools in a way that will improve outcomes for our students and make important changes in the lives of our educators.

Our students deserve more one-on-one attention from dedicated and well-qualified educators. They deserve modern classrooms and culturally relevant curriculum that prepares them for our increasingly diverse and interdependent world. They deserve small class sizes and meaningful instruction and assessment.

We are seizing this opportunity to build the learning environments all of our families need, to create safe and modern classrooms that provide the one-on-one attention our students deserve, and to respect educators with competitive wages and benefits.

What we are asking for:

• Wrap-around services for students: From extending high-quality early learning to every 3-year-old to ensuring transparency for and accountability to students and families receiving special education services, students across grades and abilities must have their needs and interests addressed.
• Schools that are safe, well-maintained, and fully staffed: We deserve to learn and work in buildings that are clean, comfortable, and secure. Students also deserve to attend schools that have enough staff to provide small class sizes, meaningful instruction and assessment, and professional care for those struggling and who just need support.
• The resources Portland educators need: Portland’s students need educators who have time for planning and preparation. Educators deserve professional development that is led by educators that addresses critical topics like racial equity and implicit bias. Educators deserve salaries and benefits that mean they can afford to live in the neighborhoods where they and their students live.

We will continue to fight until the district agrees to a contract that secures this vision for Portland schools, students, and educators.