Education

Seattle teachers on strike discuss the major sticking points

KNKX Public Radio | By Vivian McCall

Published September 8, 2022 at 11:55 AM PDT

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Teachers from Seattle Public Schools picket outside Roosevelt High School on what was supposed to be the first day of classes, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Seattle. The first day of classes at Seattle Public Schools was cancelled and teachers are on strike over issues that include pay, mental health support, and staffing ratios for special education and multilingual students.

Updated: September 12, 2022 at 2:38 PM PDT

Students in Seattle will miss a fourth day of school as teachers strike over pay and classroom support. The school district Sunday afternoon announced the cancellation of Monday classes and said negotiations with the union were ongoing.

It's the second day of the Seattle teachers strike.

Leaders of the Seattle Education Association and Seattle Public Schools continue working with a mediator to reach a new contract. On its website, the Seattle School District says it respects its educators and staff. Officials say they're optimistic about negotiations.

KNKX's Vivian McCall talked with educators walking the picket line. Listen above.