Sheridan Educators Strike, Picket Outside Schools as Union and District Remain at Odds

Teachers walk out, hoping to bring district back to bargaining table after months of stalled contract negotiations.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:11pm

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After months of back-and-forth between Sheridan schools and the teacher's union, educators in Sheridan, Colorado are striking in an effort to get the district to return to the bargaining table. The Sheridan Education Association says they've been working without a contract since August and are calling for expanded union membership and a contract that protects them, but the district claims the union's demands have been unclear. With no movement, teachers have walked out of their classrooms, leading the district to cancel classes for the rest of the week.

Why it matters

The Sheridan strike highlights ongoing tensions between teachers' unions and school districts over issues like pay, benefits, and working conditions. As more educators leave the profession, these disputes can have a significant impact on students and the broader community.

The details

Sheridan teachers filled the sidewalk outside the district's administration building, holding signs and chanting slogans to draw attention to their cause. Christy DiLuca, a bilingual speech language pathologist at Alice Terry Elementary, said the district has 'totally gotten rid of our union or are not recognizing our union' and that teachers feel they are being 'retaliated against.' Some Sheridan families have joined the picket line to show their support for the teachers.

  • Sheridan teachers have worked without a contract since August 2025.
  • The strike began on April 1, 2026.

The players

Sheridan Education Association

The teachers' union representing educators in the Sheridan school district.

Sheridan Schools

The school district in Sheridan, Colorado that is in contract negotiations with the teachers' union.

Christy DiLuca

A bilingual speech language pathologist at Alice Terry Elementary and member of the Sheridan Education Association.

Julie Blakely

A Sheridan parent who joined the picket line to support the striking teachers.

Michael Edwards

A senior at Sheridan High School who said good teachers are leaving the district due to the ongoing issues.

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What they’re saying

“We've gotten a lot of support from the community. A lot of the people are honking and waving at us. I've even seen people turning around and coming back by again and honking even more, so it's going really well.”

— Christy DiLuca, Bilingual speech language pathologist, Alice Terry Elementary

“To support the teachers.”

— Julie Blakely

“It just means a lot to me that I'm out here with them.”

— Michael Edwards, Senior, Sheridan High School

What’s next

The Sheridan Education Association and the school district will continue negotiating in hopes of reaching a contract agreement so teachers can return to the classroom.

The takeaway

The Sheridan educators' strike highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions and school districts over issues like pay, benefits, and working conditions. As more educators leave the profession, these disputes can have a significant impact on students and the broader community, underscoring the need for both sides to find common ground.