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As educators, we are fighting to defend and protect high-quality public education across our state. Our schools are underresourced and underfunded, teachers cannot afford to live where they work, and the lack of competitive wages are pushing educators out of the profession. As a result, the quality of learning and care across our public education system is in crisis; but our students and teachers deserve more. Parents and teachers both want our students to thrive.This campaign allows parents and caregivers to collaborate with teachers to win this fight for quality public education.

Parent voices

All students deserve a well-rounded and joyful education in enviroments that promote high quality education. This means smaller class sizes and access to school conselors, nurses, and mental healthy professionals.

“As a parent of a public school student, I feel strongly that every student deserves counselors, nurses, and small class sizes to meet their needs”

Volma Volcy

Parent, Natomas Unified

“I support the We Can’t Wait campaign because well funded schools are not just an investment in our children, but also an investment in society as a whole.”-

Leng Lai

Parent, Natomas Unified

"Our school is the heart of our neighborhood, and in communities like ours, stability changes everything. Fair pay and fully staffed classrooms give students the chance to thrive and families the security they deserve. We can’t wait—stability isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation of learning.”

Sharina Carbajal & Rafael Perez

Parents, San Diego Unified

"The fight for public education is about what we value as a community. Fully resourced and staffed schools show students that education is important. When they are provided with a safe, loving, and stable environment, our students will know they are valued and they will thrive”

JD Woloshyn

Parent, Oakland Unified

"As a Natomas parent, I support “We Can’t Wait” because teachers are the backbone of our communities, yet they’re asked to build the future with broken tools & underpaid hearts.”

Talina Hutton

Parent, Natomas Unified

"All children deserve racially just, fully staffed, and safe schools where they can thrive. Teachers and staff being paid dignified wages is fundamental to the success of our education system and ultimately our democracy. ”

Zach Norris

Parent, Oakland Unified

Frequently Asked   Questions

Public schools are the cornerstone of our communities. When our schools are properly funded and resourced, our communities thrive. Our wins won’t just impact students and teachers while they're in schools; these wins will directly benefit the daily lives of our community members. Learn more about our We Can’t Wait Campaign and how you can support teachers in this fight.

What is the We Can't Wait Campaign?

Over 80,000 educators across the State of CA, serving 1 million students in 32 school districts coming together to demand that school districts prioritize fully staffed schools, competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain quality educators, and safe, stable schools where every child can thrive.

Can school districts afford this?

Yes, the school districts have $23.5 billion in revenues. California is also the 4th largest economy in the world, yet ranks 33rd in the nation for per-pupil spending. CA schools and families deserve fully staffed and resourced schools. The lack of State funding disproportionately affects our most vulnerable students, including immigrant students, unhoused students, LGBTQIA+ students, and students of color.

How are students and schools currently being affected?

Our current school system in California is in crisis. All students deserve a well-rounded, joyful education in well-resourced schools. That means smaller class sizes and access to counselors, nurses, and mental health professionals for every student.

Students deserve more resources, not less. Yet, 2,000 educators were threatened with layoff notices last year. Layoffs, cuts, and school closures disproportionately harm our most vulnerable students and bring chaos to our school communities.

There are thousands of vacancies across California public schools and educators are leaving the profession in record numbers due to the lack of resources and support. Many educators are not able to own a home, raise a family, and thrive in the communities where they teach. In order to teach the next generation, we need to recruit and retain quality educators. It’s time for pay and benefits that match the essential role educators have in our society.

What can parents/community members do?

Parents and community members can be instrumental in demonstrating support and power on behalf of students and their educators. There are many different ways to show up for this fight for a better future. Check out our “Take Action” for a wide array of options for staying informed and staying involved.

helpful educational materials

We’ve also included additional educational resources to help explain how our fight for public schools today is shaped by previous fights for social justice, educational justice, and labor organizing rights.