Advice for Teachers' Unions

In Shaun Johnson's latest blog he wanders into the minefield surrounding teachers' unions. Like Shaun, I support the idea of unions. However, at this point in time I think we need to openly criticize the unions for their inability to counter the "adults first" narrative and how -- at the leadership level -- the teachers' unions are complicit in the corporate takeover of our public schools and therefore selling out both children and teachers.

First, teachers' unions have been absolutely horrendous in demonstrating how collective bargaining benefits children.

Second, the teachers unions have sold out to the corporate reform movement that will eventually dismantle our public school system.

Last year, after governor Walker took away collective bargaining rights for teachers and Wisconsin exploded, the local media (here in Central PA) contacted me to set up an interview to discuss the issue of collective bargaining. They wanted to know why teachers should be "entitled" to a contract that was collectively bargained. It was a very simple interview for me. I explained how collective bargaining allows teachers to negotiate for the conditions that create an environment that supports learning. Such things as working conditions, class size, teaching resources, aids, and planning time all benefit children. Even when it comes down to salary and benefits the ability to bargain for a fair wage benefits helps children. Teachers (in order to teach powerfully) need to have some feeling of economic stability. This should be common sense. Teachers that have the resources, time, small class sizes, and economic stability make better teachers. What parent doesn't want a better teacher?

However, what I am dumbfounded by the most is the almost 15-year reciprocal relationship the unions and the corporate reformers have cultivated. Think about not advocating for what's best for teachers and children. This is what our unions have done by supporting the Common Core curriculum and Value Added Measurements (VAMs).

more . . . http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-d-slekar/advice-for-teachers-union_b_1578795.html