Thousands of teachers hold school day South Carolina rally

COLUMBIA, S.C. — An estimated 5,000 teachers rallied Wednesday for smaller class sizes, a guaranteed break and better pay during a school day march to the South Carolina Statehouse.

North Carolina teachers are held a similar rally Wednesday.

[RELATED: Several local school districts closed as teachers rally in Raleigh]

Wednesday's rally prompted at least seven school districts to close because so many teachers asked for the day off that they couldn't get enough substitutes and administrators in the classroom to guarantee student safety.

[PAST COVERAGE: More schools close as SC superintendent snubs teacher rally]

Online teacher group SC for Ed organized the rally. The new group has put pressure on lawmakers to change a massive education overhaul bill that likely won't pass this year. Teachers say that bill did not have their input.

Eyewitness News South Carolina bureau reporter Greg Suskin spoke to several educators who said that they would have been afraid to stage such a demonstration in years past.

But many said it was critical to take a stand.

"I want to fully fund education for my students," said Elizabeth Durham, a teacher from Lancaster. "I want students to have every chance for an impeccable education. And to do that we must fully fund every part of education.”

Republican leaders have criticized teachers for leaving their classrooms and several plan to work as substitutes on Wednesday.

Teachers say the planned four percent raise included in the budget is a start, but many emphasize the need for lawmakers to put a greater focus on education.

Associated Press