San Francisco Teachers Strike Disrupts Schools, Strains Families

Thousands of students affected as educators demand higher wages, better benefits, and more resources

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A teachers' strike in San Francisco has brought the city's public school system to a standstill, impacting nearly 50,000 students and forcing parents to scramble for childcare solutions. The strike stems from disagreements over wages, health benefits, and resources for students with special needs, with the teachers' union demanding fully funded family healthcare, salary increases, and adequate staffing to support all students.

Why it matters

The San Francisco strike is part of a broader trend of increased labor activism among teachers nationwide, reflecting growing concerns about funding for public education and the well-being of educators. The childcare crisis exposed by the strike also highlights the need for more robust and affordable childcare options, as the current system often places a disproportionate burden on parents, particularly mothers, and can hinder their ability to participate fully in the workforce.

The details

Approximately 6,000 teachers are participating in the strike, which began on February 10, 2026. The San Francisco Unified School District is grappling with a $100 million deficit and state financial oversight, complicating negotiations. The teachers' union initially requested a 9% raise over two years, while the district proposed a 6% increase over three years. Superintendent Maria Su reported some progress in negotiations on February 10, 2026, including support for homeless families, AI training for teachers, and best practices for AI tool usage, but a consensus on salary increases and health benefits remains elusive.

  • The teachers' strike began on February 10, 2026.
  • Negotiations between the teachers' union and the school district have been ongoing for almost a year before the strike began.

The players

San Francisco Unified School District

The public school system in San Francisco, serving nearly 50,000 students.

San Francisco teachers' union

The labor organization representing approximately 6,000 teachers in San Francisco.

Connor Haught

A San Francisco resident working in the construction industry, balancing remote work with caring for his two daughters during the strike.

Sonia Sanabria

A restaurant cook in San Francisco, facing financial challenges due to lost income while caring for her daughter and nephew during the strike.

Lily Perales

A history teacher at Mission High School, emphasizing that the strike is about long-term stability for students.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

“We believe fully staffed schools, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits are essential for providing a quality education.”

— Lily Perales, history teacher at Mission High School (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Negotiations between the teachers' union and the school district are ongoing, with the superintendent reporting some progress on February 10, 2026. The situation underscores the increasing importance of addressing teacher compensation and working conditions to attract and retain qualified educators.

The takeaway

The San Francisco teachers' strike is part of a broader trend of increased labor activism among teachers nationwide, reflecting growing concerns about funding for public education and the well-being of educators. The childcare crisis exposed by the strike also highlights the need for more robust and affordable childcare options to support working families.