Tulsa Students Join Protests At Capitol To Show Support For Teachers

As the walkout continues, many students say they are taking part to show their support for education.

Students say they want to be “in the trenches” Wednesday with educators.  Not only to show their support, but to make sure their voices are heard.

Union freshman Cecelia Verdugo is one of many students, parents, and educators getting ready for day 3 of the walkout.

Complete Coverage:  School Shutdown

Verdugo says she is “going to the capitol to support for better funding for education.”

She says, as a student, she sees first hand just how funding problems are affecting Oklahoma schools, especially in her classroom.

“I have a really crowded classroom, really, and there’s never enough books,” said Verdugo.  “Also because I have two younger siblings and it’d be nice if they could have the right education.”

Fourth grader Addie Hackler says she’s thankful her mom’s a teacher.  She will go to the capitol Wednesday to support her mom and other educators.

Hackler says, “I’m helping my mom and the school get funding so we can go back to school with new textbooks and stuff.”

Textbooks, crowded classrooms, and teacher and support staff raises are just the beginning.  Educators say they want to see more funding and less teacher turnover.

Students say they understand and they stand by their teachers.

“There’s actually a teacher, Ms. Biggs.  I love her.  She says, ‘I’m not walking out on you.  I’m walking out for you,’” said Verdugo.  “It makes me really wanna just go support her and help her out.