MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Teachers and other education workers from across the state filled the street in front of the Alabama Capitol on Saturday, shouting "Save our schools!"

The rally was organized by the Alabama Education Association. AEA Executive Director Henry Mabry told the crowd that cutting school spending is not the way to improve public schools. Mabry urged teachers to make their voices heard by legislators and "to be like a rabid dog on their leg.

Mabry said in the closing weeks of the legislative session, educators will be voicing their concerns about proposed budget cuts for schools, legislation to legalize charter schools, and legislators' efforts to give more income tax breaks to businesses. The state income tax supports public education.

AP-WF-04-14-12 2146GMT