<p>Thousands of teachers and their supporters marched to the Arizona capitol in Phoenix on Thursday, April 26, in efforts to have teacher pay and education spending increased.</p><p>More than 1,000 public schools in over 100 school districts and charter schools were closed Thursday as teachers staged the walkout, a news report said</a>. More than 850,000 students were affected by the walkout.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Colorado teachers held a similar protest on Thursday. Credit: Henry Mariner via Storyful</p><br />
