Earlier this month, I stopped into Grassrootz Books & Juice Bar in downtown Phoenix to grab some smoothies to bring to a friend.
When I walked in and saw all the books and art for sale, I wished I had more time to stick around and browse.
Children’s books at Grassrootz Books & Juice Bar. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)
Grassrootz is a Black-owned bookstore and community hub with events that include open mics, chess tournaments, a monthly free breakfast program, and monthly free haircuts.
The cafe sells juices, smoothies, coffee, tea, and baked goodsāand I have to say, my Ella Baker smoothie (named for the civil rights activist) was delicious!
If you’ve been tuned into what’s happening in Arizona’s schools, you know that the state has struggled to findāand keepāteachers in its classrooms.
According to the National Education Association, the average teacher pay in Arizona is $64,291, ranking. No. 31 in the US and falling below the national average.
As school districts face this issue, some of them are looking internationally to find teachers.
An empty classroom as shown on Aug. 19, 2026. (Jeff Barron/Eagle-Gazette via Reuters Connect)
The Arizona Republic reports that the Balsz Elementary School District is considering partnerships with three organizations that would recruit teachers from outside the state and USāand it already employs two teachers who were recruited through the International Alliance Group.
Teachers recruited from outside the US must still meet all of the normal requirements to teach here.
What do you think about Arizona’s teacher shortage? Let me know, and I’ll include some responses in Wednesday’s newsletter!
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š ADOT has announced 10 finalists for its freeway safety messages. The pubic can vote on them through Aug. 27. (12 News)
š„ Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse is growing the sport through free clinics before beginning its inaugural season. (Arizona Daily Sun)
š· The University of Arizona’s marching band is made up of about 250 students representing over 100 different majors. (KGUN)
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, and Jill Schildhouse. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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