Or ways to get involved in organizations representing teachers like you?

It also represents teachers in some charter and private schools.

The larger union, which represents 3,200 teachers at 235 schools, had not made such a request.

"I am in a touchy position, representing the student body, parents and teachers," she said.

Leaders of the unions representing teachers and school supervisors also plan to attend.

A union representing 16,000 teachers plans to hold five more one-day strikes over the next two weeks.

In Buffalo, the union representing 3,800 teachers voted yesterday morning to strike as some students were already making their way to school.

Groups representing rural schools and teachers said Monday's change brought clarity to confusing rules.

Three unions representing mainly teachers, health workers, police and prison staff stopped work to press demands for a 10 percent pay raise.

The union representing teachers contends that the rise in lesser crimes means students may not have a greater sense of security.