Oklahoma teacher Dionne Liebl, speaking to a crowd gathered at the state Capitol, said educators were protesting today for additional funding and resources for their students.

"Why are we here today?" she asked. "We are here today because our schools, our children need us."

Liebl, an English teacher at Deer Creek High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, was one of 12 finalists for teacher of the year.

She urged Oklahoma teachers to remain united.

"This isn't about one organization or another," Liebl said. "This is about students, our kids, the very future of our state. That is why we are here."

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