On July 31st, the Sheridan Educators Association contract with the Sheridan School District expired. Since then, the District has refused to bargain a successor agreement in good faith and instead tried to force educators to give up their rights to speak out, pulled payroll deduction, and is retaliating against educators who have spoken out. After eight months without a contract or resolution, educators are going on strike April 1.  

Substitute educators are a vital part of our schools. During a strike, the district may rely on subs to keep schools running as usual instead of addressing the issues that led educators to walk out. When sub jobs are filled during a strike, it lowers the pressure on the district to settle fairly and can drag the fight out longer.

A strike only works when work stops. By not accepting jobs in Sheridan during a strike, substitute educators can help protect the power of educators standing up for fair working and learning conditions. Refusing those jobs sends a clear message that educators deserve to be heard and respected.

Substitute educators play a vital role in our schools, and a vital part in our union. Our working conditions are your working conditions. When districts attack educator rights, ignore contracts, and try to silence workers, that impacts all of us. Standing with Sheridan means standing up for the respect, protections, and voice every educator deserves.

Did you know substitute educators can join their union? You play an important role in our schools and deserve the support and voice that comes with being part of it. Find out more at coloradoea.org/join

If Sheridan educators go on strike, do not accept substitute jobs in Sheridan. Stand with educators by honoring the picket line and helping increase pressure on the district to do the right thing.