Continuing their efforts to raise awareness about the work teachers perform outside of classrooms, Prince William educators held a “grade-in” on the second floor of Wegmans Super Market in Gainesville from 10:30-1:00 p.m. on Saturday Mar. 10.
At 11 a.m. there were approximately 40 teachers grading papers. Most demonstrated their allegiance to the Prince William Education Association by wearing bright blue PWEA t-shirts. Others wore bright yellow “Work to Rule” t-shirts or safety vests, like those wore by construction workers, which read, “Educator at work."
Educators said they decided to work in public to draw attention to the proposed lack of salary step increases for the next three years, as well as large class sizes for students and the overall lack of respect for educators in the county.
“I used to work in Arlington and now I work and live in Prince William County,” said Stonewall Jackson High School English teacher Sean Newborn. “Ever since I came here, I’ve seen a difference in how they treat teachers. It doesn’t seem like we’re getting a lot of support from the Board of County Supervisors or the School Board.”
In regards to the decision by the Prince William County School Board to have Superintendent Steven L. Walts find room in the budget for step increases, teachers say they remain cautiously optimistic.
“I think people are happy, because they’re being heard, and it’s a step in the right direction,” said Bull Run Middle School teacher Riley O’Casey.
O’Casey cites recently scheduled discussion forums, such as the Brentsville Town Hall Meeting and Committee of 100 Meeting, as evidence that educators have gotten some attention.
While PWEA members unanimously agreed they would prefer a tax increase to program cuts, they also believe there is room in the school budget to eliminate waste and frivolous spending.
Some educators said they have reviewed the budget themselves and have found large discrepancies in the costs of programs from year to year, but are not sure if those changes are typical. Furthermore, they say line items in the budget are too vague.
They are also concerned about any budget strategies to fund teachers' salaries, which may pit parents against teachers.
“Regardless of what you do, people are going to be upset,” said Sarah Gimenez of Piney Branch. Teachers are just hoping administrators at the Kelly Learning Center decide to cut programs, which do not directly affect student learning, or cost educators their jobs.
Newborn still thinks the needed funds should have come from tax increases. Once the tax rate is advertised by the Board of County Supervisors, it can only be lowered not raised.
“There is this mantra of low taxes (among county politicians). It’s great philosophically that government should be small, but the pragmatic people want good teachers, good public services.”
The PWEA had also planned a "grade-in" at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge; however, mall management denied permission to the organization and reminded potential participants that "any event that might be disruptive or disorderly, or act in a way which annoys, obstructs, interferes, or endangers others," could result in arrests.
“Why can we not sit in an area, eat food, do work and not bother anybody? I don’t see how that’s wrong? I think that’s what this county was founded on," said Newborn.
The educators, who gathered on Saturday, purchases food and drinks, while ample seating remained available for other customers. Shoppers, for the most part, seemed unaware of the grade-in, except a few, who said they noticed the blue t-shirts.
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!