On May 1, early childhood educators nationwide will raise their voices for better wages and benefits for our workforce. All too often, our most committed professionals leave the field because they cannot afford to stay. Worthy Wage Day is a time to remind the country--policymakers, legislators, educators and parents--that early childhood educators are important and deserve more rights, raises and respect. Every year, one-third of all early childhood teachers leave their jobs. The major reason: low pay. On average, the typical early childhood educator receives a lower wage than the typical parking lot attendant.
On Worthy Wage Day, First Class Teachers, an associate membership program of the AFT, will deliver letters (click here to add your voice to the campaign) along with cans of Play-Doh® to members of Congress with the message, "We Can't Make it With Play-Dough."

April, 2006