Teachers bought lunch then got out the schoolwork at a Mesa mall Sunday.
It's called a "grade-in." Teachers graded homework and tests in a public place to remind students and the public that their job requires hours outside the classroom.
Organizers said 50 teachers, all from the Mesa School District, showed up to participate.
Teachers, schools and families are preparing for walkouts on Thursday. The Arizona Education Association held a vote last week and 78 percent of educators approved a walkout.
School districts are working to determine if they will have enough staff to keep their schools open.
Arizona Educators United says their demands are for a 20 percent raise for all teaching and certified staff and higher school funding.
About 100 teachers from the West Valley attended the grade-in at Arrowhead Mall on April 8.