MSN UK News takes a look at the tough choice that teachers up and down the country have had to make.
Anger over the Government's pay policy exploded when up to 400,000 teachers, lecturers, civil and public servants went on strike, disrupting thousands of schools, colleges, jobcentres and Whitehall departments.
Teachers swapped the classroom for the streets as they took part in scores of rallies and marches to protest about below inflation wage rises and warn of a "serious downturn" in recruitment.
More on the teachers' strike
Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, gives an insight into why teachers are striking for the first time in more than 20 years.
As the pay dispute reaches its climax, MSN gets the views of two teachers who switched life in the classrooms of London for schools in foreign countries.
Do you agree with the teachers' strike? Should teachers just get on with teaching and stop moaning? Have your say on the MSN UK News message boards.
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Vote now
Teachers' strike
- Do you support the teachers' strike?
- Yes, they deserve a better pay deal.
35% - I don't know.
4% - No, they should stop moaning and start teaching.
61%
- Yes, they deserve a better pay deal.
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