The strike, which made national headlines this week, largely is in response to a new evaluation system that many teachers say discriminates against less affluent schools.

Denay is among about 40 graduate students participating in internships through the College of Education with Chicago Public Schools. Until the strike ends, they are left with little to do but wait; College of Education officials have pledged to keep students at their respective schools while negotiations are settled.

Although Denay has been left to busy work, she still will be able to fulfill her internship requirement this semester, said Dorothea Anagnostopoulos, associate professor for the College of Education who helps students find internships in Chicago.

The internship program will survive the strike, Anagnostopoulos said, adding the students fulfill more hours than required to earn their teaching certification. MSU is one of the only schools in the country that offers a full-year internship program; typical programs only require one semester.

Anagnostopoulos and Denay do not know of any MSU students participating in the strike.

“I have not (been protesting) since I don’t want Chicago media to be approaching me and relating me to Michigan State,” Denay said.

Denay said she has been in touch with an intern coordinator in Chicago who has advised her to watch the news and stay aware of the situation.

Anagnostopoulos also said it is important for students to look beyond the strike and take note of potential conflicts that can arise with union politics.

“We want them to understand the broader issues, like having them understand the politics of teaching and teacher evaluations,” Anagnostopoulos said.

Graduate student Ben Evans, who taught in Chicago for three years before coming to MSU, said the strike is a complicated issue teachers should acknowledge.

Having taught in both a school in a wealthier part of the city and an underprivileged community, he said the quality of teachers at both are equal, and the main difference is the community the students come from and the baggage they bring.

“It’s absolutely crucial we don’t ignore those facets when we chose to monitor teacher performance,” Evans said.

But Denay said she hasn’t taken sides on the strike, and she understands the motivation behind each argument.

“I have heard a lot more of the teachers’ side than anyone else’s,” Denay said. “People have been wanting my opinion, but I have been staying neutral.”