As the statewide teachers strike rages on, it’s become common knowledge that Oklahoma’s educational system is one of the most poorly funded in the country; 20% of Oklahoma schools operate just four days a week, in order to save money. On top of that, Oklahoma educators are also the second-worst paid in the nation.
To drive home the need for funding, teachers have been posting photos of their classroom materials throughout the strike.
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Now, a textbook once used by country singer Blake Shelton provides the latest example of how poorly funded the Sooner State’s schools really are.
Shelly Bryan Parker published a post with a pair of Facebook photos highlighting the issue of school funding and teachers' raises in Oklahoma, where teachers (were) protesting for a fifth day at the state's capitol Friday. One of the images show (her daughter) Marley with a smile from cheek to cheek holding the "Look Away" book. Another appears to show Shelton's handwritten name dated 1982 –– when "The Voice" judge would have been around 6 years old. The school's superintendent confirmed to CNN that Shelton attended Marley's school in his "younger years."
According to the book’s old-timey issue log, Marley’s copy of the book entered the classroom in the 1981-82 academic year.
Parker, a former high school math teacher, explained in an interview with CBS News why this issue is so "personal on so many levels" for her.
"So many educators in my family," Parker said. "They don't get paid enough. People don't want their taxes raised, but we're dumbing down our education."
These teachers are fighting the good fight not just for themselves, but for their students, and all public employees. Unsurprisingly, they’re drawing ire from at least one enterprising member of the GOP, who is quick to dismiss them as pushing a “liberal agenda.”
“In politics, as in life, no one gets everything they want.” says the politician who apparently doesn’t give a damn about anyone.
Sign the petition. Show some love to these educators, and spread the word: education is a right, not a privilege.