As educators, we dedicate our time, energy, and passion to our students every single day. We spend long hours preparing lessons, grading papers, and managing classrooms with care. Our break room is one of the few places we can take a breather and recharge. And yet, when we head to the vending machine for a refreshing drink, we are met with a baffling reality: only Dr. Pepper is available.

While Dr. Pepper has its fans, one soda does not fit all. In a diverse school full of diverse tastes, it’s only fair that our vending machine reflects that variety. Not everyone enjoys the complex, cherry-cola-vanilla-licorice mystery flavor of Dr. Pepper. Some of us are loyal to the classics—Coke, Sprite, or Pepsi. Others prefer something caffeine-free or a diet option. And let's not forget the sparkling waters and teas that offer refreshment without the sugar rush.

This isn’t about soda—it’s about choice. Teachers are professionals who deserve a say in their environment, especially in spaces meant to help us unwind and recharge. A single-soda vending machine feels less like a perk and more like a punishment. The solution is simple: stock a variety of beverages that reflect the preferences of the entire staff, not just a Dr. Pepper enthusiast’s dream.

We’re asking for our voices to be heard and for our taste buds to be respected. Let’s update the vending machine in the teacher’s break room to offer a range of drink options—because hydration, caffeine, and comfort should never come in just one flavor.

Sign this petition and help us make the teacher’s lounge a space of true refreshment!