A unified front of educators from 32 California school districts has taken a stand for improved education funding, better wages, smaller class sizes, and more resources for students. On a wet February afternoon, more than 100 teachers, students, and politicians gathered outside Oakland City Hall to chant, “We Can’t Wait,” as part of the “We Can’t Wait” campaign spearheaded by the California Teachers Association (CTA).
The campaign aims to address critical issues facing the state’s education system, such as underfunded schools, teacher shortages, and the lack of essential resources for students. By uniting teachers in major districts like Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, San Francisco Unified, Oakland Unified, and Sacramento Unified, the CTA seeks to create a platform for change that transcends district boundaries.
Unprecedented Collaboration for Change
The collaboration among these teacher unions marks a historic moment in California’s education advocacy. With contracts expiring in 10 of the largest districts, educators are leveraging their collective voices to push for meaningful reforms. While bargaining across districts is not permitted, the multiyear campaign allows unions to support one another and amplify their demands for fully staffed schools, competitive wages, and safe learning environments.
According to CTA President David Goldberg, this level of district-wide collaboration is unprecedented and signifies a shift towards a more unified approach to addressing systemic challenges in education. The goal is to create a statewide movement that prioritizes the needs of educators and students alike.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite California’s status as having the highest average teacher pay in the nation, the cost of living in the state continues to pose significant challenges for educators. The disparity between teacher salaries and the rising costs of housing and healthcare has contributed to teacher shortages and retention issues. As Sylvia Allegretto from the Center for Economic and Policy Research points out, the widening pay gap between teachers and other professionals underscores the urgency of addressing these financial disparities.
However, the road to securing better pay and benefits for teachers is not without obstacles. Many school districts are grappling with budget deficits that may lead to buyouts, layoffs, or closures. The question of how districts will afford increased costs while facing financial uncertainty remains a pressing concern.
Key stakeholders, including union leaders, policymakers, and community advocates, are calling for a reevaluation of funding priorities to ensure that schools remain adequately resourced and teachers are fairly compensated. As Ken Jacobs from the UC Berkeley Labor Center notes, the coordinated efforts of the CTA and its allies signal a new chapter in education activism that emphasizes the need for sustained investment in public education.
In Oakland, where the school district is considering consolidation and budget cuts, educators and parents are united in their call for greater investment in schools. Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, president of the Oakland Education Association, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing resources to support teachers and students, even in the face of financial challenges.
Parent and community advocate Clarissa Doutherd echoes this sentiment, highlighting the impact of underfunding on school communities and the urgent need for districts to prioritize spending that directly benefits students. By coming together to demand better resources and support for schools, advocates hope to create a more stable and equitable future for California’s children.
As the “We Can’t Wait” campaign gains momentum, the voices of educators, students, and parents are uniting to advocate for a brighter, more equitable future for all. By standing in solidarity and demanding meaningful change, these advocates are reshaping the conversation around education funding and demonstrating the power of collective action. Together, they are working towards a vision of education that ensures every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.
