PHOENIX — Hundreds of teachers from across the state gathered in Downtown Phoenix to hear from First Lady Jill Biden.
The longtime educator spoke at the Renaissance Hotel as part of her nationwide campaign tour to re-elect President Joe Biden focusing on education needs.
"We need you Arizona," Biden said.
Educators from Flagstaff, Tucson and several from the Phoenix metro area gathered with the hopes of inspiration. It comes at a time when educators like April Simmons from Tucson said their jobs are not getting any easier.
"I’m only 9 years in, I have a long career ahead of me and as of right now I’m a little scared,” Simmons said.
Simmons also discussed heavy workloads for teachers and worries over declining student enrollment. A common concern several others attending Friday night shared.
Tempe Union High School District Teacher Rodrigo Palacios also talked about the state ESA student voucher program and how he believes it is costing Arizona taxpayers.
“The biggest issue in our state is hundreds of millions of dollars have been siphoned away from public schools to pay for kids to go to private schools,” Palacios said.
During her speech, Biden also talked about the challenges teachers are currently facing and the issues she sees in the state.
“You’re battling against school vouchers and a state legislature that is more interested in dividing educators and parents than addressing things like educator pay and classroom size,” Biden said.
The first lady will deliver remarks to Mesa Community College graduates on May 11, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
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