A teacher strike is a rare, but potent, tool that teachers’ unions use to make their voice heard on key issues in education. While other labor actions may be more common, strikes have the effect of galvanizing public opinion and delivering tangible gains to educators and students.
In 2019, a six-day strike in Los Angeles yielded higher salaries, more school librarians and counselors, more support staff for mental health needs, reduced caseloads for special education, caps on standardized testing, more funding for community schools, and smaller class sizes. Teachers across the country are continuing to push for better conditions in their classrooms, including addressing systemic issues like mental health support, lower per-student funding, and larger class sizes.
When educators walk the picket line, they are putting their jobs and livelihoods on the line for their students and communities. But a striking teacher doesn’t take up the mantle of “the man” and can remain respectful to their employer—even when the administration isn’t supporting them in their struggle.
As a principal, you don’t have the same bargaining rights as your teachers, but you do have an important role to play during a strike. Plan ahead to keep learning alive (worksheets, online assignments, thoughtfully curated movies) and communicate with your community that you are supporting your school staff in their civic duty. It’s also critical that you defer any Ofsted inspections during a strike, and keep your teachers informed about when the school will reopen.
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