Supt to New Teachers - Find Your Voice

From the AZ Republic:

New teachers urged to lobby

CHANDLER - When the Chandler Unified School District's new teachers reported for orientation last week, they were given an assignment: Become politically engaged.

"I'd like you to find your voice and let it be heard at the state level," Superintendent Camille Casteel told them.

Casteel said it is an understatement to call today the "most turbulent time for public schools" in recent history.

She told the teachers that it is crucial for them to tell their state legislators why it's important to fund public education.

School districts throughout the state have been forced to make cuts as the state faces a budget shortfall. Chandler Unified School District has cut its spending by 3 percent from last year and district officials anticipate losing an additional $4 million in state funding.

Casteel said given the large number of educators in Arizona, teachers could have an incredible degree of influence if they would just get involved.