Broward Teacher, Students Protest Cuts, No Raise
Shaneeva Yassin, Web Journalist & Producer
CBSMiami.com
TAMARAC (CBS4)- Broward teachers and students joined together to hold a "respect" protest outside of the Broward Teacher's Union building Thursday.
Teachers, along with the union, are asking for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. The protest began at 4:30 p.m. at the BTU headquarters at 6000 North University Drive in Tamarac.
Teachers said they are not getting the respect they deserve after budget cuts, no raises and further cuts to education.
During the protest, negotiations were going on in the building to lobby for a raise.
Some teachers who CBS4's Joan Murray spoke with said they are thinking about leaving the profession.
"We almost just don't want to do it anymore," elementary school teacher Heather Thurston said. "You know it's not worth what we have to do, which is unfortunate and really the children should come first. And I know that's what they think they're doing but if they really take a look at it and we all sit together and talk about it….it's not the direction that it's going in."
Here's what R-E-S-P-E-C-T means to the teachers:
Recognize teacher and student achievement
End district corruption and malfeasance
Stop political attacks on public employees
Protect everyone's voice in the workplace
Encourage community involvement in our schools
Cut misspending of tax dollars and student funding
Tell local and state officials to show some respect
