ST PAUL, Minn. — Right now, about 30,000 teachers are on strike in Los Angeles. They are protesting issues such as teacher pay and class size.
But those problems and their effects are not only found in California.
Hundreds of miles away from L.A., a couple dozen St. Paul teachers gathered outside Highland Park Middle School, which is next door to Highland Park High School.
Beth Swanberg teaches choir and musical theater at the middle school.
"There are schools all over St. Paul that are doing this this morning," Swanberg said. "About a year ago, the St. Paul Federation of Educators settled our contract just at about eight hours before our strike time so we can understand what they're going through."
The group met Tuesday before the school bells rang. They held up signs and chanted "si se puede," Spanish for "yes we can." Several drivers noticed and honked their horns.
"Our students have the same needs that their students do," Swanberg said. "We need more counselors. We need smaller class sizes. We need more school psychologists. Mental health support. Language learner support. So we stand in solidarity with the teachers from Los Angeles."
The demonstration ended with what they call a "walk-in." Just in time for class, they walked into the school in hopes their movement would be considered a symbol of unity.
"We feel positive about the people, about our legislators stepping up and fully funding schools," Swanberg said.
Swanberg says St. Paul Federation of Educators is supporting Cesar Chavez Elementary School, which is located in east L.A. If you'd like to support their teachers with a financial donation, contact the St. Paul Federation of Educators.
More from KARE 11 Sunrise: