St. Paul teachers, students stage 'walk-in' for more funding, staff members

Teachers in St. Paul, Minn. rallied at more than 50 different schools across the district Tuesday morning in their push for a new contract.

Staff members held a short rally half an hour before school began as teachers, students and parents were walking in to school.

The informational picket was organized by the St. Paul Federation of Teachers to highlight the needs of the teachers, who are currently in contract negotiations with the district.

“Part of this walk in is demanding that we have the support to work with our students so every students can be successful in school when they come in every day,” Nick Faber, vice president of the St. Paul Federation of Teachers. “We want to make sure that we have the number of social workers, counselors and nurses in our buildings to properly deal with the students’ needs as they come in.”

The teachers’ union says schools are understaffed and want more money for counselors, nurses and social workers to help students and teachers succeed.