Local Teachers Hold 'Grade-in' at NewPark Mall

Newark teachers crowded NewPark Mall's food court Wednesday afternoon, hungry to make a statement.

Nearly 80 local teachers sat and graded papers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. inside the  as part of a statewide "State of Emergency Week of Action" sponsored by the California Teachers Association. Classified staff also attended in support of the cause. The series of events is designed to let the public know about the financial crisis facing California's K-12 public schools and to spur the state legislature to allow voters to decide on extending several current taxes.

Many Newark teachers also plan to join a rally in San Francisco on Friday, the week's culminating event.

Watch our video to get an inside look at Newark teachers' "grade-in" Wednesday afternoon.