Arizona Teachers Crowd Light-Rail Trains for March to Capitol

Thousands of teachers and their supporters marched to the Arizona capitol in Phoenix on Thursday, April 26, seeking increases in school spending and on teacher salaries.

More than 1,000 public schools in over 100 school districts, as well as charter schools, were closed Thursday as teachers staged the walkout, a news report said. More than 850,000 students were affected by the walkout.

Gov. Doug Ducey has proposed a 20 percent pay increase by 2020, and he urged parents during an interview to call state lawmakers to show their support for the plan.

Police estimated 30,000 people took part in the march, which stretched more than a mile. A rally was planned for the afternoon at the capitol.

Colorado teachers held a similar protest on Thursday.

This video shows teachers and their supporters on a light-rail train in Mesa headed to Phoenix. Credit: Jesse Paulk via Storyful