Synopsis

Low pay, burdensome requirements and a lack of respect for the profession are driving teachers from classrooms across the United States and nowhere is that impact more evident than in Tucson, Ariz., where teacher vacancies are at an all-time high. Arizona teachers work an average of 57 hours a week and are the lowest paid in the nation. Many face daunting challenges to educate children in high poverty districts who arrive in their classrooms with significant achievement gaps.

 

With decades of research showing that the quality of the teacher in the classroom has the most significant impact on student achievement, the high rate of teacher turnover threatens the quality of education all children receive. Fortunately there are teachers who excel despite the challenges but they do so at a significant personal cost.

 

TEACHING IN ARIZONA follows three Tucson educators to deliver an intimate portrait of what it’s really like to be a teacher today. It also depicts the impact of the teacher workforce crisis on the future generations that will influence the prosperity of a state and a nation.

  • "As an Arizona teacher, I am ready to provide the best music and language education my school has to offer. Teachers need the resources and support to continue to educate our community. Thank you for caring to inform the public on Arizona's educational system."

    Analia Romero

  • "It was so exciting to see my friend Tia working so hard and being in her element. This video shows what we all go through as educators, on a daily basis. I am so thrilled this video is being circulated and people who are out of the field of education can get a glimpse of what we do."

    Heidi Udovich

  • "I have spent 20 years in education, first as a teacher and now as an Elementary School Principal. I wish this film were only isolated to a few teachers. Sadly, the fact is that this film illustrates reality for many of my teachers. I support them the best I can, with the resources I have, but it is not enough. It is time for teachers to take action, it is time for the the community to support and join teachers in these actions. Thank you to all teachers who are working to create 'The Next Greatest Generation'."

    Chris Gutierrez

  • "I am a retired teacher in Tucson. Voices that have been missing from all of the debate and discussion of school 'reform' are those of teachers. It's time that we listen to them."

    Mary B Sanchez

  • "Outstanding presentation of the issues that plague the Arizona public education system, especially the dismissing of teachers as a instrumental part of that system. It is sickening to me to see the undermining of public education all over the United States, especially in the state where I live. Thank you for this wonderful film and kudos to all public school teachers!"

    Linda Kaul

  • "I am an Educator from SC. I loved your short film! I can definitely relate to the many challenges that had been discussed in this film. I am so grateful that you, along with so many educators, have advocated for educators, not just in AZ but on a national level! Thank you for all that you do and I wish you best of luck in your future."

    Spring Stephens

In The News

Arizona ranks dead last in teacher pay

Teachers spend nearly $500 a year on supplies. Under the GOP tax bill, they will no longer get a tax deduction.

The Teacher Shortage Crisis Is Here

The coming teacher shortage crisis

Diane Douglas: Want to boost teacher pay? Then we must raise taxes

Teachers need support to stay in the classroom

Ted Maxwell: Honor Southern Arizona teachers by seeking their input, helping a classroom

County Teacher of the Year from Flagstaff High plans to leave state

94% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies

Billboards call for Arizona teachers to leave for lofty salary in Texas

Meet the Teachers Quitting Their Jobs Due to Low Pay and Dwindling Benefits

‘It’s the Only Way.’ These Teachers Are Working Summer Jobs to Make Ends Meet

Despite pay raises, teacher vacancies remain a problem for Tucson schools

Arizona still struggles with large class sizes

States sees increase in teacher certifications since Red for Ed

Thousands of untrained teachers are leading Arizona’s public school classrooms

Invest in Education income-tax measure knocked off November ballot by courts

‘I work 3 jobs and donate blood plasma to pay the bills.’ This is what it’s like to be a teacher in America

Documentary highlighting issues in education shown in Yuma

Area residents invited to screen new short documentary film, TEACHING IN ARIZONA

Low Pay, Long Hours, Second Jobs; Documentary Spotlights Arizona Teachers

Film screening of documentary ‘Teaching in Arizona’ scheduled

CAC Panel discusses film about teaching experience in Arizona

New documentary about Arizona teachers to screen in Sierra Vista

New documentary shows what it’s like to be an Arizona teacher

Teaching in Arizona: A don’t miss documentary screening Friday on Facebook

Documentary Explores Three Teachers’ Heroic Efforts and Attitudes Despite Limited Support and Salaries

Local Leaders Say Teacher Shortage is Hurting Business

Sarah Gassen: ‘Teaching in Arizona’ documentary shows teachers’ sacrifice, struggle

To teach in Arizona: Labor of love or fool’s errand?

Tucson-made documentary looks at teacher struggles in AZ

With Support From…

AGM Container Controls, Inc.

Arizona K-12 Center

Bayer Crop Science

BFL Construction

Cox Communications

Diamond Ventures

Flowing Wells Unified School District

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Green Valley Pecan Company

Helios Education Foundation

Hudbay Rosemont Copper

Hughes Federal Credit Union

JPMorgan Chase

Midstate Energy

Pima Community College Foundation

Pima Community College Teacher Education Program

Pima Federal Credit Union

Rodel Foundation

Southwest Gas

Strategic Issues Management Group

Strongpoint Marketing

Sunnyside Unified School District

TCI Foundation

The Southern Arizona Leadership Council

Thomas R. Brown Foundations

Tucson Medical Center

Tucson Electric Power

UA Tech Parks

University of Arizona CALS

University of Arizona College of Education

University of Arizona College of Engineering

University of Arizona College of Humanities

University of Arizona College of Law

University of Arizona College of Nursing

University of Arizona College of Science

University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

University of Arizona Office of the Provost

Verizon Foundation

ABOUT TVT

Tucson Values Teachers (TVT) is a partnership of business leaders, educators and individuals with a shared mission to help schools and districts attract, retain and support the very best teachers for every K-12 classroom in Southern Arizona.

Visit TVT’s Site