The State Needs To Be Taught A Lesson…RESPECT TEACHERS!

The state Board of Education is expected to consider waiving certain teaching standards for Little Rock and Pine Bluff schools, both of which are under state control. One agenda item could eliminate existing due process rights for our teachers in the districts. Another waiver, for the Pine Bluff School District includes waiving certain teaching license standards. Arkansas Democrats believe our children deserve the best and are standing up for students and educators.

State Representative-elect Tippi McCullough (Little Rock) is an educator at Central High School and supports workplace protections for good teachers, “The people dedicating their lives to educating our children deserve our support. Unfortunately, the state is instead taking steps that seek to place the blame on teachers and to weaken their position in the classroom. It’s time to show some respect, and to protect Arkansans who choose to go into the classroom. That’s the path to a good education for our children.”

The waiver is being sought in Little Rock while the LRSD is under state control. Pine Bluff schools are also without local control.

State Representative Vivian Flowers (Pine Bluff) is an advocate for quality education and Pine Bluff schools, “Arkansas needs to do everything we can to support our students and our teachers in our traditional public schools, with at least adequate resources. Our educators shouldn’t be made to feel vulnerable in the classroom and should be rewarded for excellence. We don’t need to set policies that hamper their abilities or the abilities of the Arkansas Education Association to help support and strengthen the teaching profession.”

Arkansas Democrats know that education is essential for this state and its people to make progress. We need to show respect to teachers, trust them in the classroom, and make sure our children have the best learning experience possible. It’s time that the state of Arkansas starts supporting our teachers.