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They are tired of overcrowded classrooms and lack of support staff, including school nurses and mental health counselors.
Some classes have 56 students or more, he said.
The massive exodus of teachers has already forced 25 school districts to close 600 schools Wednesday, Larson said.
What do teachers want?
It's not just about funding smaller classes. Union members also want:
– More school librarians. Currently, there are only 158 school librarians in Oregon – less than one librarian per district.
– More school nurses. There is one nurse for 5,481 students. That's four times less than the national recommendations, the OAS said.
– A restoration of art programs, music and physical education which have been reduced by budgetary constraints.
– More funding for school supplies. The OAS said 94% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies "to differentiate between what their students need and what districts can provide."
– The adoption of Bill 3427 of the State House, nicknamed the "Student Success Act." The bill would increase funding for kindergarten to grade 12 education by 18%.
What do politicians say?
State Senator Rob Wagner, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said he hoped his colleagues would pass the Student Success Act.
"The Student Success Act specifically increases school revenues, offering targeted investment grants for more mental health support, more after-school programs and much more," Wagner said. .
"That adds a billion dollars a year to Oregon schools, as the districts are able to determine where they need it the most." This is a unique investment in a generation for our children. "
If the bill is passed by the legislature, Governor Kate Brown is ready to sign it, said her office.
"The governor supports Oregon educators who are coming together Wednesday," Brown's office said in a statement.
But the union says it will not back down as schools will not have more resources for students.
"We are pressuring lawmakers they have never seen us," Larson said.
Why are so many professors protesting these days?
Union leaders say the national anger stems largely from the state's cutback in education during the recession a decade ago. Despite the improvement in the economy, many education budgets have not caught up, especially with respect to inflation.
So what will happen in Oregon if the demands of teachers are not met?
"There are no more long-term walkouts currently planned," said Larson, "but Oregon educators will do everything in their power to ensure that our schools can afford what the students need. "
Keith Allen of CNN contributed to this report.
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