It is being reported that there is a tentative deal reached to end the Seattle teachers strike. Details about the agreement were not immediately available. In a statement the union, the Seattle Education Association leader said, “We should all be proud of what we accomplished and what we stood up for: student supports and respect for educators.”
Earlier Monday the district had canceled classes for Tuesday, the fifth school day that students have missed since the strike began began Sept. 7. Tuesday was supposed to be the first day for approximately 49,000 students in the district.
Striking teachers said their main concern was educational and emotional help for students, especially those with special needs or learning difficulties.
Seattle Public Schools said late Monday that they had reached a tentative agreement with the union for teachers who went on strike last week over issues including pay and classroom support. The district said that it would soon announce an update on when classes would begin.
Teachers who walked out are being considered brave. However, some parents think this could all be a toll on students whose first day has not yet come.
Still, many see the pay for teachers in Seattle and a different reality may appear. Teachers in the city have seen healthy raises since their last strike in 2015. It is reported that many of the teachers are making more than $100,000, thanks largely to a new state education funding model.
