Teacher Lay-Offs: How Should Students Respond?

Tens of thousands of teachers nationwide are being laid off because of budget cuts.

And students are understandably left feeling hurt, frustrated, and eager to do something to make a difference.

In some cases, students are walking out of class to show their support for teachers who have been issued pink slips. In other cases, students are picking a day and staying out of school all together, hoping to send a message that the layoffs are not going unnoticed.

For us, missing class time to protest teacher layoffs seems counterproductive. Teachers are there to help their students receive a top-rate education. That includes making the most of class time. That is why we encourage students to take other steps to get the attention of the policymakers in their communities and beyond.

What are some things that students angry about budget cuts can do to effectively bring about change and to ensure their opinions and insights are heard?

• Recognize that the principal is probably not your enemy. School principals and other administrators are not happy about the budget cuts, either. Decisions about how money is spent and how to close budget shortfalls are generally made by the school board, with direction from the school district superintendent and cabinet level staff. They are in a difficult situation but are the ones who should be held accountable for cuts.
• Understand and be able to clearly and accurately explain the problem. School budgets are complicated. Because of a variety of federal and state level mandates, money from one category cannot easily be used for another. That means that money earmarked, say, for school construction, cannot be used to pay for teachers. Be sure you understand the basics of school finance before expressing your opinion. Ask an expert for help if needed.
• Let your voice be heard by school board members. Call, and write letters and emails to school board members and the superintendent. Express yourself firmly but respectfully. Consider attending a meeting and speaking during the public comments segment of the meeting, if your school district has one.
• Ask for an opportunity to meet with the school superintendent or cabinet level administrators to express your opinion. Attend the meeting prepared to present your ideas.
• Use social networking sites, text messaging, blogs and other communications to communicate information and suggest that others, particularly fellow students, take action.
• Consider staging an awareness event before school, after school or at lunch in order to express yourself. Know the policies of the school and do all that you can to follow school rules. This will not hinder your message, but instead will show that you value both education and educational justice.
• Provide talking points in writing for anyone who is involved in the movement. This will make it more difficult for others to misunderstand or misrepresent your cause. Students involved in protest will hurt their credibility and be taken less seriously if they are not on message.
• Contact local media. Be ready to explain calmly and clearly why you are upset, what you are doing and what you ultimately hope to accomplish. Offer to make other like-minded students available for interviews.
• Think visually. If you are holding a protest event, consider what signs students might hold. Make sure signs are respectful and include correct spelling and grammar. Signs are important in part because they photograph well and get the attention of passersby. One California teacher staged an effective protest by putting together empty chairs with the names of teachers who have lost their jobs.
• Communicate with your parents and other adults about what you are doing. Seek their advice about how to most appropriately and effectively express your frustration and bring about change.

The role of students can be a powerful one – if students are prepared to communicate in ways that are respectful and thoughtful. Do your part!