The ongoing groundswell of teacher strikes across the US has made it clear that teachers’ grievances are not only about salaries and working conditions. They are also about educational and social justice. The public support for their demands is fueling the growing movement to address broader educational challenges, including inadequate funding and the increasing prevalence of classroom overcrowding.

The public support for the teachers’ cause is helping to shift public policy and create pressure on lawmakers to take action. For example, the six-day strike in Denver last year resulted in improved school safety and support services, more planning time for teachers, 5-day a week school nurses, a commitment to reduce standardized testing, smaller class sizes, and reduced caseloads for special education teachers.

This year, teachers in several states are calling for a livable wage, adequate school funding, more support staff in schools, and improvements to their health care benefits. These are issues that affect students, too, especially for those who live with poverty, racism, trauma, and disability.

It is important to be honest with children during these times, but also to present the information in a straightforward, simplified manner that helps them understand why teachers are striking. It is also important to reassure them that they are not missing out on anything and that their teachers are still very much thinking about them and caring about them. Reassure them that the missed learning time will be made up once all schools reopen.