The job action in Jersey City began early Friday after the teachers union and the district failed to reach a deal. District officials say city schools will be open for a half day on Friday.
The last teachers strike in Jersey City occurred 20 years ago.
Hundreds of teachers had attended a school board meeting on Thursday night, calling on district officials to "get a deal done."
The two sides have been negotiating since last year, but talks have stalled over health care costs.
Blake Zimmer, a sixth-grade student at the Academy Middle School, was there Friday to show his support for the teachers. The 11-year-old held a sign reading "Teachers Deserve Respect" as he joined the educators picketing outside of his school.
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