Days before his universal pre-K program took effect, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced pushback from pre-kindergarten teachers.
As the city prepared to roll out thousands of new free child care seats, educators said low pay and long-standing inequities were being ignored, prompting a rally at City Hall.
Teachers demand higher pay
Many pre-K teachers attended the demonstration, arguing that wages have failed to keep pace with credentials and responsibilities.
A city comptroller audit released two years ago found that 90% of community-based lead teachers with master’s degrees earned less than their counterparts in public school early childhood programs…