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Tennessee teachers pushing for better education
A new group of public educators wants to unify Tennessee teachers in advocating for public education. The three founders of TN Teachers United say the Tennessee Education Association, is not fighting hard enough for public education. They plan to advocate for increased funding and less testing in schools. The new group is following a plan established by teachers in states like West Virginia, Kentucky and Arizona where efforts outside of union associations resulted in teacher work stoppages. Tennessee Education Association President Beth Brown said TEA stands with the group on numerous issues they have outlined. "I am with every single member and every teacher across the state who is frustrated about testing (and) compensation, particularly when you compare that to equally educated professionals," Brown said. The group plans to fight the establishment of a voucher program and to fully fund the Basic Education Program, which is how the state distributes money to schools. Districts have long argued they are underfunded, and both Memphis and Nashville are suing the state as a result. A spokesman said the end goal is not to strike, but the group isn't afraid to take such drastic measures if necessary. While Tennessee has higher teacher pay than other states that have seen recent strikes, per-pupil funding is still in the bottom half of states nationwide. And now Republican Gov. Bill Lee plans to create a voucher program, which would divert more tax money from public schools. Teacher strikes are illegal under Tennessee law and have been since 1978, but they were also illegal in other states where teacher strikes occurred, resulting in pay increases for teachers.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
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Mill Creek Wildfire Update
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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