MUNSTER | Traffic struggled to keep moving on Calumet Avenue as motorists gawked at a line of teachers protesting Monday evening.

"If you can read this, thank a teacher" and "Save Collective Bargaining" were among the signs hundreds of teachers and education supporters held outside an appearance by the state's top education leader.

Kris Pilewski and more than 250 other protesters gathered outside the clubhouse at Centennial Park to show their dismay with the state's support for public education.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, who wants to limit teachers' collective bargaining rights, visited Munster for a discussion with local teachers about that and other legislative proposals. His agenda includes efforts to steer state dollars to new charter schools, as well as tuition vouchers allowing students to attend private schools.

Pilewski works as a counselor at two public schools in Highland. She has been an educator for about 21 years and said she is disheartened by the treatment public school teachers are being shown by Bennett and other Republican state leaders.

"Change is needed," she said. "But make us a part of that change. Don't just tell us what's going to happen. Ask us for our input because we are the ones who are there every day."