There’s a crisis in education. Fifty percent of teachers are planning to leave education earlier than expected. Right-wing lawmakers are responding by punishing and surveilling teachers, instituting bizarre bans on books, and “critical race theory.”

Educators we spoke with reported working paycheck to paycheck. Others noticed overflowing trash bins due to the lack of proper custodial staff.

Meanwhile, progressives are responding with bold teacher pay raises. New Mexico Democrats and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham are paving the way by putting forward a 20% pay hike for teachers.