Release: Educators Come Out in Force to Support Democrats
AEA, SOS, and the ADLCC knock doors across the state for the Education Weekend of Action
PHOENIX, AZ – Republican assaults on Arizona public education have led to a number of teachers running to join the ranks of the State Legislature as Democrats. They aren’t alone. This Labor Day weekend, the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Caucus, Arizona Education Association, and Save Our Schools Initiative are joining with educators across Arizona for the Education Weekend of Action. They are coming together to fight back against radical right candidates who want to surveil teachers and defund our public schools. Teachers will knock on doors in Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Yuma, and Marana as they seek to support Democrats, including their fellow educators in the State House, Representatives Christine Marsh (LD 4), Jennifer Pawlik (LD 13), and Judy Schwiebert (LD 2). They are also seeking to elect former teacher and School Board member Jeanne Casteen (LD2), former teacher Laura Terech (LD4), current student advisor Lorena Austin (LD9), former teacher and principal Cindy Hans (LD 13), former teacher, principal and superintendent Keith Seaman (LD16) and current teacher Taylor Kerby (LD16).
“Arizona educators know the stakes of this election. For years, we’ve been fighting for the funding and support our public school educators and students need. We know that the only way to do that is by electing education champions to our Legislature. AEA’s recommended candidates have the right values and the right policies to support our teachers and improve outcomes for students. The AEA knows these candidates have the backs of teachers and students,” said Marisol Garcia, Arizona Education Association President.
“We must stop the attempt to divert funding from our public schools into the hands of private schools that lack critical accountability and oversight. This initiative is critical to stopping this takeover once and for all,” said Beth Lewis, Director of the Save Our Schools Initiative.
“Our legislative candidates are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children – that starts with strong public schools,” said Elsa O’Callaghan, Executive Director of the ADLCC. “We are so proud to have educators join us in full force this weekend knocking on doors and speaking to voters across the state about Democratic candidates who are more interested in finding concrete solutions to support teachers and schools, not scoring political points on Twitter.”
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