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Tempe teachers lead #RedForEd demonstration while getting their jobs done

Each Wednesday, teachers across the state are speaking up on public school teacher pay.

Teachers and school staff members gathered outside schools across the state Wednesday, wearing red and staging “walk-ins” to raise awareness for the ‘Red for Ed’ movement. They’re demanding better pay for teachers and resources for students.

12 News followed one of the demonstrations outside one high school in Tempe.

Dozens of educators showed up at McClintock High School to chant “red for ed” and “students first,” hoping the governor and legislators will listen.

RELATED: Arizona teachers plan long-term walkout while Ducey dismisses threat

“It’s a movement that’s just bringing awareness that we want our classrooms to be fully funded,” said Stephanie Land, who teaches French at McClintock. She’s been teaching for more than 20 years. “We want our teachers to be compensated for the work they’ve done, but mainly it’s for our students and for all Arizona students.”

“I want people to understand that we’re families and we’re moms and we’re dads and I don’t think it’s right that we’re living paycheck to paycheck and we both have our Master’s degrees,” said Niki Sheppard, who also teaches at McClintock. “You know we’re doing it because this is our passion and this is what we love.”

The teachers' demonstrations have the support of Tempe's mayor, Mark Mitchell.

“They shouldn’t have to use their own money and resources to really just do the basic job that they’ve been hired to do,” Mitchell said. “It’s really important to support our teachers in the school districts across the state of Arizona.”

“We have teachers who are working two, three jobs, waitressing at night. You can’t do that and be a successful teacher in the classroom,” said Land. “Our kids deserve more.”

“We need teachers who can focus on teaching and not have to worry about where they’re going to feed their family from… the paycheck. We need help.” she said.

“This is a very important thing that we do and teach our kids, right? That if you want something you have to stand up for it,” said Sheppard.

If their message is not heard today, there’s still no word yet on what their next move will be.

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