The Chicago Teachers Union called for a strike last night for the first time in 25 years. That means 350,000 Chicago Public School students did not go to class today and will remain out of school for the foreseeable future until negotiations are made. As a student, I’m sure this is like hitting the jackpot. No homework, no early morning bus rides, no assignments to stress over. It’s probably comparable to what it’s like when you get a snow day. And who doesn’t love a snow day? In fact, CPS students were tweeting last night and #teamnoschool was trending.

The thing is though this is nothing like a snow day. Sure, it’s fun to have class cancelled. I’d be lying if I said that if I were I student I wouldn’t be excited at the prospect of getting to put my schoolwork on the backburner for a few days. But when it comes down to it, real issues are at stake. In addition to fighting for job security and benefits, Chicago teachers are fighting for better schools, better working conditions, and a better overall education for these students. They are advocating to get more social workers and therapists in school to deal with the multitude of factors that teachers aren’t equipped to deal with such as poverty, exposure to violence, homelessness, hunger, and other social issues. While the thrill of a few days off may be appealing, it’s fleeting compared to the issues these Chicago teachers are fighting for.

Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel is blaming the teachers for keeping children out of school and the teachers are blaming a school district and a political system that have left them no choice. I undoubtedly think children should be in school getting an education, instead of on the streets adding to the gang violence already prevalent in Chicago. At the same time, teachers are fighting for a beneficial cause not only for themselves but also for the future generations of students trying to get a quality education. Which side do you stand on?