Schools brace for teacher strikes over post-COVID pay, benefits

• Educators are navigating health protocols, staff shortages and students’ academic challenges. Many also feel disrespected.
• One out of 3 teachers say they’ve been verbally harassed or threatened by a student.
• But the strikes are halting in-person instruction at a time when students have already missed extraordinary amounts of it.

In January, Minneapolis Public Schools students stayed home for two weeks as the omicron COVID-19 variant surged and schools shuttered. This month, schools have closed for another two weeks — and counting — because of a teacher strike.

With no deal reached over the weekend, classes will remain canceled Monday, the district said. Minneapolis teachers have been picketing for better pay and benefits, smaller classes and more student mental health services. They’re not alone. From Minneapolis to Illinois to California, teachers unions are actively on strike or preparing to have members walk off the job over many of the same demands.