Catch up on AZEdNews’ #AZEdChat on teachers’ pay, shortage and value

If you missed AZEdNews’ #AZEdChat on teachers’ pay, the teacher shortage and showing teachers that we value their work, just take a look below to see what everyone was talking about on Twitter that evening.
Welcome to #AZEdChat tonight, which is moderated by @azednews pic.twitter.com/CWw86ALJD9
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
Are you a teacher, administrator, parent, community member or advocate for public schools? #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/YPtYjg8ucD
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
I’m a teacher and 2020 @azedfoundation Ambassador for Excellence. #AZEdChat
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
.@ExpectMoreAZ is a nonpartisan statewide education advocacy nonprofit that brings communities together to create positive change in education at all levels. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
We are a passionate team of 12 individuals from across the state – students, former educators, parents, grandparents – who are committed to improving education because we believe education unlocks the potential of communities and individuals. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
I am a school board member, and advocate for Arizona’s public school children. #AZEdchat
— Steven Chapman (@AZStevenChapman) November 21, 2019
So excited that @AzSBA president is engaging in this conversation! We need more leaders talking and engaging! #AZEdchat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
I’m a parent of three kids and advocate for public schools! #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/504Bi82pCU
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Hello! My name is Nate Rios and I’m a high school government and AP US history teacher as well as a 2020 #AZTeacheroftheYear Ambassador for Excellence with @AZedFoundation. Thanks to #AZEdChat for hosting a conversation about AZ educators!
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
#azedchat Funergy is a community business helping schools with fun fundraising events like school dance parties.
— Funergy Events (@FunergyEvents) November 21, 2019
Thx you for always supporting our public schools @ExpectMoreAZ #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Advocate for public schools ✊🏽🍎 #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Give it up for teachers like you for speaking up and participating in this #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Why is supporting teachers, schools and public education so important? #AZEdChat Click here for more: https://t.co/nEQ5uknLeG pic.twitter.com/IVY1ytEgOg
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
I’m a current Special Education teacher. I pour long hours and a ton of my own money into my classrooms. If people are supporting towards the schools and publication. The supports will help the educators get more resources to do so much more! #azedchat
— Maria Beckman (@MariaBeckman17) November 21, 2019
These children are our future leaders! A valued education is so vital 📚📝💯🙏🏽#AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Education unlocks the potential of individuals and communities. The success of every student is vital to our state’s economic prosperity, quality of life and civic health. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Teachers are a key ingredient in student achievement. For schools, they’re the biggest factor in whether a student will succeed. And that impact, whether positive or negative, can be felt for years after a student has left their classroom. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Arizona education scrapes the bottom ranks in the nation for school funding and the poverty achievement gap. We must support our teachers and students by supporting classroom funding and start at the Legislature. #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Public school is part of a great American promise that all of us can be provided the knowledge we need to become a contributing citizen. Teachers are people who put themselves at the front of fulfilling that promise for every student. #AZEdChat
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
Nothing has a greater impact than a highly effective teacher in every classroom and a strong leader in every school, yet AZ has a burgeoning teacher shortage crisis. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
As a teacher of civics, public education is the promise of our country to offer both an educated electorate to carry the torch of our founding fathers and to create opportunity for those who seek to help themselves and their communities. #AZEdChat #AZTeacheroftheYear
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
Learn how your legislators measure up to supporting a strong K-12 education system and decide whether they have earned your vote in 2019. https://t.co/f00aqZZP5I #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/IclID3auj8
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
What do you wish parents or community members knew about the challenges that teachers and schools face? #AZEdChat Read about it here https://t.co/a9yNIlhAuT pic.twitter.com/Mb3owXvLSZ
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
I wish it was more widely understood what differentiated instruction actually means. Research suggests that teachers make 300+ decisions daily in order to serve the needs of each student. Teachers’ skills are not innate, but finely crafted. #AzEdChat
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
Listen to your teachers! #AZEdChat https://t.co/rPssW3COkV
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
I’m not a teacher or a parent (yet), but when I go and film at various AZ schools, funding seems to always be an issue 🥺 #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
I loved this article, on school leaders say better pay would help them attract teachers to Arizona’s classrooms, especially in rural areas, and prevent educators from seeking more lucrative careers; https://t.co/1YIIVYECv1 #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
This quote really hit me! “We do not have a teacher shortage, we have highly educated professionals who can make more money doing less work in other fields.” https://t.co/1YIIVYECv1 #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Daily, teachers face the challenge of building school and classroom communities that support students in meaningful ways. Lack of time, respect, and continuity from day to day and year to year creates barriers to a whole child approach to education. #AZEdChat #AZTeacheroftheYear
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
#azedchat most teachers work multiple side jobs to make ends meet!
— Funergy Events (@FunergyEvents) November 21, 2019
Thx you @FunergyEvents for always working with schools on fundraisers and other events to support our teachers! #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
This video helps explain the teacher retention and recruitment crisis and why we need to pay our teachers more. #AZEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity https://t.co/VSonhkUuBf
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
What would create a better environment for #teachers, staff and #students at your school? #AZEdChat See what teachers said in a survey – https://t.co/iTIydwDSaN pic.twitter.com/Exo3x5tFZR
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
Do we ask our teachers and students? How do we define what this looks like in every school and community? What are the listening methods and ways we celebrate them? #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/HR23Ybe4I7
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Leadership starts at the top. What creates a culture of excellence is when you have a high functioning governing board. #azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
#azedchat the future of our country relies on our kids getting a top notch education. Most people don’t think about when they are old- who is the doctor who will be caring for them? A kid they hopefully supported by funding education with every vote whenever possible!
— Funergy Events (@FunergyEvents) November 21, 2019
If we don’t support our teachers how will they be able to support our children? Ensuring our teachers are empowered to do their job is key. #azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
Maybe replacing worn out items such as school desks, old books, etc.? #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Public education is important because it’s a CIVIL RIGHT! Public education is the one tool we have as Americans to level the playing field. #Azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
That teaching is a a full time job that requires a ton of skill and expertise. This infographic shows how AZ teachers are spending their days. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
https://t.co/LNYIXuhDrh
I love this article on schools welcoming back staff with rallies and learning opportunities https://t.co/jtk3MlN6pz #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Teacher pay is just one element of recruiting and retaining the best educators. School districts and nonprofits are seeking ways to grow the teacher pool and many of the programs are having great success. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Check out some of the programs from around the state that we’ve highlighted on our Expect More Excellence Tour: https://t.co/lDvFOwfyaV. There are a lot of good things happening that could be scaled up or replicated. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
A better school environment exists with a cultural shift of how public education is viewed. We are dedicated professionals but not miracle workers. Practical support to foster professional development and teacher longevity would help create capable young citizens. #AZEdChat
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
A 2017 report by the Morrison Institute for Public Policy offers further insight into the teacher recruitment and retention issues in AZ – https://t.co/4MudCDxSOw.#AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
What should be done to make #TeacherPay more competitive to end the #TeacherShortage? #AZEdChat See what school leaders say – https://t.co/Xjbr9fEiIm pic.twitter.com/qf5htVsyuc
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
I wish parents would understand that teachers are not the enemy. Most work beyond 40 hours a week to ensure our children reach their full potential.I wish they knew in order to have fully funded schools we must do a better job at holding our legislature accountable. #azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
Today’s elementary school teachers are making 14% less than in 2001, when adjusted for inflation. Teacher pay in Arizona ranks 49th in the nation w/ a median salary of about $45,000. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity https://t.co/hWIL57VYzc
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
A more diverse and inclusive public view of who Educators are is part of this needed shift. Districts and School boards should actively recruit a faculty as diverse as their population. #AZEdChat
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
Competitive pay attracts individuals to the classroom, pay increases keep them there. AZ must pay a wage worthy of highly educated, dedicated individuals. Our future depends on the best staying in the classroom and fostering the next generation. #AZEdChat #AZTeacheroftheYear
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
If we care about the success of every student, this is an issue we cannot wait to address. AZ students deserve better than last. And investments in our teachers and classroom will positively impact our communities and everyone’s quality of life. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Geez 😱🥺 AZ doesn’t pay our teacher enough compared to other states. Teachers don’t feel valued enough to want to stay! #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Increase it and then you’ll see that shortage decrease in a quick second! https://t.co/iaMFUsl5WH #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/ba7tT3MIDe
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
#AZEdChat https://t.co/ALmIshSxuU‘s analysis of 2017-18 data says AZ ranks 47th in nation in average teacher salaries, earning 30% less than the average salary for all occupations in the state – https://t.co/YF0oGJV7ja pic.twitter.com/yXTPny2qIF
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
This blows my mind: Arizona teachers earn an average salary of $34,473, which is about 30% less than the average salary for all occupations in the state which is about $49,290. #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
How about we stop giving out corporate tax breaks? We need to raise the wage to at least the national average. Teachers can only survive on passion for so long before they are forced to leave the classroom due to pay. #azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
This is largely due to the worn-out cultural view of Martyr Teachers – civil servants who willingly give up a living wage in order to answer a “calling”. But it isn’t a calling, it’s a profession that deserves to be compensated. #AZEdChat #AZTeacherOfTheYear
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
Yassss! Why don’t we stop giving out corporate tax breaks? #AZEdChat https://t.co/fHqV9aSW2C
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Arizona should minimally work to move toward the national median. Understanding that this requires a tremendous ongoing investment of resources, @ExpectMoreAZ is advocating for new funding to increase teacher pay over the long-term. #AzEdChat #AZProgress https://t.co/TK0V3o4R1z
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
We must work together to improve our rank to the national median by 2020, while also providing statewide, meaningful professional development, mentoring and induction that are research-informed and driven by best practices. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
This is just embarrassing and sad. How do we expect to recruit the next generation of teachers when our students see the lack of respect and pay they receive? #azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
Tucson Values Teachers’ documentary TEACHING IN ARIZONA shines a light on AZ teacher struggles. Let’s show AZ where our values lie by supporting those who support our children. https://t.co/vuypISJtrX @Tweet4Teachers #AZEdChat
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
I would thank them for their efforts so far and tell them there is still more work to be done 👷🏽♀️🛠💪🏽🍎📚 #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Exactly what all the other public education advocates would say, “invest in our children, teachers, schools and STATE! #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/FgFS0287KR
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Teacher pay must come from a consistent, dedicated funding source. As our leaders, you must set the tone of valuing education with monetary investments as means to valuing our future. Schools were once the centers of communities. Let’s bring that back. #AZEdChat
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
This was a good article on state funding for Teachers Academy, https://t.co/x9AQ5ycguC but not resolve overall issue of lack of funding for our schools. #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
#AZEdChat Here’s what @azcentral‘s recent survey of teacher salaries statewide found – https://t.co/nSoteXTlvc pic.twitter.com/2Bv0y6CAsw
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
“Hey thanks for your efforts in getting us to #49!” There’s still work to be done!” #AZEdChat
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
I’d say if you all really care about the economy and workforce development how about we invest in the real job creators, our teachers. #azedchat
— Devin Del Palacio (@Devindelpalacio) November 21, 2019
I would say “thanks for #20×2020 @dougducey” #AZedchat https://t.co/EYBXgXvB3w
— Scott (@KyreneP4P) November 21, 2019
Is the elevator taking me to my polling place? Because that’s how I’d like to send our Gov. a message #AZEdChat
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
How can communities, businesses and nonprofits work together to ensure #Teachers feel valued and receive the support they need? #AZEdChat Here’s what @Tweet4Teachers does – https://t.co/7Busp7xG9Z pic.twitter.com/AWrrGDAGCL
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
We asked this question of local educators for teacher appreciation week last May and here’s what they said: https://t.co/WP6MPzPmZ5 #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Group hugs? #AZEdChat https://t.co/Kt5NXSrgVT
— Scott (@KyreneP4P) November 21, 2019
Our communities must be willing to invest in their neighborhood schools, businesses must be willing to pay their fair share, and non-profits must find fits to target areas of specific need and support. All this requires civil, productive conversation…and sacrifice. #AZEdChat
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
Read and share our blog about the impact of the teacher and retention crisis in Arizona:https://t.co/Ra3AHahEYM #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Partner, connect and invest in public schools. Initiate crucial conversations and bring diverse voices to the table. Partners like Expect More Arizona, Funergy & School Connect empower schools by helping them connect with their community. #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Businesses and nonprofits could maybe seek out and host accessible programs to help teachers in various skills and making sure these programs are affordable? #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Also 47th in test scores. #AZEdChat https://t.co/ZjYKIkZe69
— Scott (@KyreneP4P) November 21, 2019
Employee Appreciation Reception 2019 https://t.co/gxxiU8jfJs #AZEDChat time to celebrate dedicated teachers – #Education #Arizona #TimeforATeacher #teamwork #encouragesomeone
— Catherine A. Barrett (@ReadersLeadPD) November 21, 2019
Partner, connect and invest in public schools. Initiate crucial conversations and bring diverse voices to the table. Partners like @ExpectMore, Funergy & School Connect empower schools by helping them connect with their community. #AZEdChat
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
AZ is blessed w/ many organizations working to fill the funding gaps in our public schools. The more inclusive of #EarlyChildhood & #Preschool these groups can be, the wider their message of support for educators will be broadcast #AzEdChat #PreschoolIsSchoool #AZTeacheroftheYear
— Ben Collinsworth (@AZMisterBen) November 21, 2019
I forgot to add #AZEdChat https://t.co/Wz93pdvx4A
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
What can you do to help support your local #students, #teachers and schools? #AZEdChat Here’s how one group helps – https://t.co/absMKWL6v0 pic.twitter.com/g2rRO559Ea
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
Tucson Values Teachers is a great example of a non-profit that strives to bring all members of the community together under the common banner of education. #AZEdChat #AZTeacheroftheYear
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
Stay informed and vote for people that actually want to invest in our teachers, students and schools. Speak up and advocate for a better educational system and better state! #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/d5yCJEYPYp
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Volunteer in the classroom. Offer to provide classroom supplies. Encourage your child to write a thank you note to their teacher. Show up to parent-teacher conferences. #AzEdChat #AZProgress #Road2Equity
— ExpectMoreAZ (@ExpectMoreAZ) November 21, 2019
Visit your local schools. Say thank you. Offer time or money or energy. Trust teachers to be the professionals they are. Vote for candidates who understand that a monetary investment in education leads to healthier, more productive societies. #AZEdChat #AZTeacheroftheYear
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
YASSSS @heidi_hvega ! 👏🏽 Parents and community members can volunteer and donate to schools 🤗🙏🏽🍎📝📚 #AZEdChat
— Brooke (@rahz_oh) November 21, 2019
Know who is ACTUALLY voting and advocating for your children! Remember, these senators and representatives are voted in by us! https://t.co/Fj5d35cISf #AZEdChat pic.twitter.com/hQst0qbxT2
— Heidi Otero – EQUITY (@heidi_hvega) November 21, 2019
Thanks @azednews for a great evening discussing education. There is no more important task in AZ than solving the issues surrounding education #AZEdChat #TeacheroftheYear
— Nathaniel Rios (@MrRiosFW) November 21, 2019
Thank you for taking part in #AZEdChat – https://t.co/OeN81Pkv4j pic.twitter.com/szXm86eBAx
— AZ Education News (@azednews) November 21, 2019
You’re welcome! #azedchat https://t.co/mTCCQMtDJD
— Scott (@KyreneP4P) November 21, 2019
You’re welcome! #azedchat https://t.co/mTCCQMtDJD
— Scott (@KyreneP4P) November 21, 2019