As a teacher, I’m ready to strike — but there must be other, better ways

Read the entire op-ed by E4E-Chicago member Dominicca T. Washington on the Chicago Sun-Times.

On Thursday, I will be striking alongside my colleagues if the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools are unable to agree upon a contract.

My colleagues in the union pose valid concerns regarding the inequities that our students experience.

It’s troubling that my students don’t have consistent access to social workers and nurses who could provide trauma-informed support. As their teacher, I struggle to gather, sometimes create, and allocate the resources needed to adequately serve each child in my class. I must fill in the gaps for what is not equitably provided.

However, as we gear up for another strike, I can’t help but wonder if we should rethink our approach to improving equity for our students.

To read the complete op-ed, visit the Chicago Sun-Times.