Teacher union ARGH!!!!

[java]

Ok I can understand the need for consolidated representation. Our teachers are without contract. They are demanding a 7% raise across the board and a reduction of 3% in their health care participation requirement. Our teachers are the among the highest paid in the state. But whatever, and honestly where is the money going to come from? How about eliminating some of the administrative overages?

Now why I am angry. One of my children is in 8th grade. He has been on the Robotics team for 3 years. Captain last year and they came in second in the state competition. Was going to be Captain again this year. Only there won't be Robotics. The "teacher" is not allowed to go beyond his 8-2 work hours. So no robotics, No DI, no yearbook, the list goes on and on. Now my gripe is that eventually they will settle - probably at a reduced increase rate. And my taxes will go up again. And my son will never have the chance to do this again. He will never again get to be on the team at school. He won't get a do-over on the yearbook. ( I expect to step in to run the yearbook but robotics I can't do)

He came home very upset after talking to his computer teacher(and robotics team leader) Who told him "no no club this year." and that's it. Now this man has worked with my son over the past 3 years and that is all he gets?
My son said after telling me about the club, You know why there is not going to be a club this year Mom? Because the teacher's really DON'T care about us.
Now this is a boy that has shown nothing but respect to his teacher's. He always has great relationships with his teachers. Now on swoop of a contract negotiation and his opinion on teachers has changed forever. And that makes me sick.
So guess what? I am voting a big stinking NO!!! To your pay increase next month. I will not be held hostage.

 

[mickey65]

You do realize that there is nothing in a teacher's contract that says 'you must do extra curricular activities with the students' Teachers do extra curricular activities because they want to and it is their choice if they do or not. When contract negotiations come up and there is no contract teachers are directed by the union (in most cases anyway) to only do what is in the contract and not participate in extra curricular activities. Most teachers will respect the requests of the union. What would you do if there was no teacher willing to do the extra curricular activities at all, even when the teachers had a contract?
Not trying to sound harsh but I am tired of techers being bashed. We have a hard job as it is and everything we do is for the kids believe it or not.

 

[chobie]

What about the administration, are they not half the bargaining equation? Maybe they are holding out so that public opinion will pressure the teachers in to not getting a raise?


The teachers have their own children they have to look out for too. Why should the sacrifice their own children's needs for yours? The outside the school day stuff is extra they do for your kid.

 

[bgirl29]

Java, I think it stinks too!!! Just wanted to let you know that you are not the only one who would be upset. Also I have never understood why teachers are the only ones so many people think should never have to pay even a portion of their own medical expenses.

 

[momof2inPA]

This is the administration status quo for bargaining across the country, unfortunately. Let the contract expire and bargain during the year, so that if the teachers strike, it's bad PR for them. They hire professional "negotiators" to do their dirty work, and these companies feel it puts the adminstration in a better negotiating position, but someone needs to hold the school boards responsible for this crap.

The 7% and 3% are just a starting point for negotiations.

 

[friend of pooh]

Also I have never understood why teachers are the only ones so many people think should never have to pay even a portion of their own medical expenses.

No one should have to pay if they are employed. But because most have employers that don't pay, why should teachers have to pay? Why isn't it the other way around? Why doesn't everyone else pressure their companies to provide better benefits?

 

[bgirl29]

Friend of pooh I agree with you that in a perfect world no one should have to pay for their medical benefits. I just know that most of us here in MI are just happy to have jobs (those that do) and it just seems that teachers are the only ones complaining(sp?) about paying for part of their medical expenses. We certainly do not like paying for it but for most of us it is a fact of life.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Ok I can understand the need for consolidated representation. Our teachers are without contract. They are demanding a 7% raise across the board and a reduction of 3% in their health care participation requirement. Our teachers are the among the highest paid in the state. But whatever, and honestly where is the money going to come from? How about eliminating some of the administrative overages?

Now why I am angry. One of my children is in 8th grade. He has been on the Robotics team for 3 years. Captain last year and they came in second in the state competition. Was going to be Captain again this year. Only there won't be Robotics. The "teacher" is not allowed to go beyond his 8-2 work hours. So no robotics, No DI, no yearbook, the list goes on and on. Now my gripe is that eventually they will settle - probably at a reduced increase rate. And my taxes will go up again. And my son will never have the chance to do this again. He will never again get to be on the team at school. He won't get a do-over on the yearbook. ( I expect to step in to run the yearbook but robotics I can't do)

He came home very upset after talking to his computer teacher(and robotics team leader) Who told him "no no club this year." and that's it. Now this man has worked with my son over the past 3 years and that is all he gets?
My son said after telling me about the club, You know why there is not going to be a club this year Mom? Because the teacher's really DON'T care about us.
Now this is a boy that has shown nothing but respect to his teacher's. He always has great relationships with his teachers. Now on swoop of a contract negotiation and his opinion on teachers has changed forever. And that makes me sick.
So guess what? I am voting a big stinking NO!!! To your pay increase next month. I will not be held hostage.

Are parents allowed to step in and help out?

 

[momof2inPA]

Friend of pooh I agree with you that in a perfect world no one should have to pay for their medical benefits. I just know that most of us here in MI are just happy to have jobs (those that do) and it just seems that teachers are the only ones complaining(sp?) about paying for part of their medical expenses.

Um, didn't GM workers just settle a contract about this in Michigan? I'm glad someone's standing up for all of our benefits.

 

[yasmina]

Ok I can understand the need for consolidated representation. Our teachers are without contract. They are demanding a 7% raise across the board and a reduction of 3% in their health care participation requirement. Our teachers are the among the highest paid in the state. But whatever, and honestly where is the money going to come from? How about eliminating some of the administrative overages?

Now why I am angry. One of my children is in 8th grade. He has been on the Robotics team for 3 years. Captain last year and they came in second in the state competition. Was going to be Captain again this year. Only there won't be Robotics. The "teacher" is not allowed to go beyond his 8-2 work hours. So no robotics, No DI, no yearbook, the list goes on and on. Now my gripe is that eventually they will settle - probably at a reduced increase rate. And my taxes will go up again. And my son will never have the chance to do this again. He will never again get to be on the team at school. He won't get a do-over on the yearbook. ( I expect to step in to run the yearbook but robotics I can't do)

He came home very upset after talking to his computer teacher(and robotics team leader) Who told him "no no club this year." and that's it. Now this man has worked with my son over the past 3 years and that is all he gets?
My son said after telling me about the club, You know why there is not going to be a club this year Mom? Because the teacher's really DON'T care about us.
Now this is a boy that has shown nothing but respect to his teacher's. He always has great relationships with his teachers. Now on swoop of a contract negotiation and his opinion on teachers has changed forever. And that makes me sick.
So guess what? I am voting a big stinking NO!!! To your pay increase next month. I will not be held hostage.

I'm very sorry this is happening to your son. Having been on the teacher's end of a picket line several times, I understand how painful it is for a community. Our union's position has always been, when working w/o a contract, is that if you are being paid for an extracurricular position, you are to continue doing it. Is your son's robotics club sponsor not paid for the position? That would never fly in our district.

Again, I'm very sorry and hope that the contract is equitably settled in the very near future.

 

[chobie]

I'm very sorry this is happening to your son. Having been on the teacher's end of a picket line several times, I understand how painful it is for a community. Our union's position has always been, when working w/o a contract, is that if you are being paid for an extracurricular position, you are to continue doing it. Is your son's robotics club sponsor not paid for the position? That would never fly in our district.

Again, I'm very sorry and hope that the contract is equitably settled in the very near future.

And if that teacher has not been getting paid and has just been staying after school to do something extra, and you would punish him by voting against his raise, then I hope he and other teachers like him never put in one more minute without pay. If that's an example of the gratitude from parents..

A lot of after school positions come with a stipend but many of these clubs do not. They just are run by really nice teachers who are donating their time. They should be rewarded, not punished.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Principals make the teachers do these extra curricular activities. They are not paid positions. I don't think parents have any idea how many unpaid hours teachers put in. They deserve the right to strike.

Lori

 

[maddiemouse]

I don't have children, I went to Catholic schools, my only involvement in teachers pay has been the property taxes I've paid throughout my life.
That being said, I believe there are no more important influences in your children's lives, other than yourselves, than their teachers. PAY them what they're worth!!!
Who among you does extra work for free? With no expectation of any return but the satisfaction of knowing that you've done a good thing? Our teachers do this every day.
No, I am not a teacher, but I would rather pay higher taxes to better the teachers salary, than to fund an illegal war. But that's another thread.

 

[monsterkitty]

Also I have never understood why teachers are the only ones so many people think should never have to pay even a portion of their own medical expenses.

As a teacher, I pay $400/month for just myself. My DH who is also a teacher pays the same. A teacher with a family of 4 in our district pays $1,600. We pay our own dental and we have no eye coverage.

I have no problem paying for my coverage. I'm just thankful I have coverage!

OP, I am truly sorry that your son has lost the Robotic team this year. However, there may be other reasons there is no team, not just because the teacher doesn't want to go beyond his contract time. It could be there are no funds to have a team this year.

 

[MM27]

And if that teacher has not been getting paid and has just been staying after school to do something extra, and you would punish him by voting against his raise, then I hope he and other teachers like him never put in one more minute without pay. If that's an example of the gratitude from parents..

A lot of after school positions come with a stipend but many of these clubs do not. They just are run by really nice teachers who are donating their time. They should be rewarded, not punished.

I agree 100%. My district only pays stipends for the middle and high school activities and sports. Everything at the elementary level, which goes up to 6th grade, is on a teacher volunteer basis. You can't really get mad over something that you were getting for free.

Principals make the teachers do these extra curricular activities. They are not paid positions. I don't think parents have any idea how many unpaid hours teachers put in. They deserve the right to strike
Lori

Especially non-tenured teachers that can't say NO. The pressure is on for them to do these extras and it is often "suggested" that if they don't it will show up in their evaluation.

Now on the issue of parents not knowing how many unpaid hours teachers put in...
I've realized from other threads that it's not worth the time or effort to try to explain that issue. It's like talking to a brick wall.

 

[SavvyMom]

Java, I understand your frustration. I'm a teacher (that puts in many unpaid hours). We do not have unions in my area. However, I think the computer teacher should have explained his position better. He certainly doesn't have to, but it would have been nice. I hate that your son has such negative feelings about teachers in general because of one incident. He must be devastated. My students often ask me to come to games and birthday parties, and I simply can't. I have to spend some time with my own children. I've been asked to head up clubs and things at school, but always say no. I work a lot at home as a result, but at least I'm here for my kids. There really may be more to the story. I hope your son feels better soon. I'm sorry he's going through this .

 

[paigevz]

There are separate issues here. The negotiation for the pay raises and health care I can see you complaining about. I'm a teacher, and heck, I want a raise, doesn't everyone? But of course, if it takes from your pocketbook, you can complain.

The after school club, unless paid for with a stipend, is a choice only, unpaid extra activity. It has nothing to do with the teacher's pay whatsoever. You fault the teacher for not doing it this year? How about celebrating the three years the teacher did it?

If you are going to fault the teacher for not doing that, fault yourself for not being in the Big Brother's/Big Sister's Program and helping out children yourself in your spare time.........or any other program where you can do clubs and teams for kids for no pay. Fault everyone else who doesn't. Tell them they shouldn't have raises because they don't do anything extra for any kids in their spare time. It's the same argument.

 

[Hannathy]

Who among you does extra work for free? With no expectation of any return but the satisfaction of knowing that you've done a good thing? Our teachers do this every day.

Oh I would say thousands and thousands of people everyday!!!! Ever hear of Boy Scout leaders and Girl Scout leaders, 4H leaders, Sunday School teachers, Key Club advisor's, Boys and Girls club volunteers, Hospital volunteers, Junior Achievement advisor's. I'm sorry teachers doing clubs are only doing what many, many other people are also doing with out asking to be declared Saints!


Be glad you don't have a senior, our lovely "professionals" last negotiations put a slow down on or refused to write any letters of recommendation for college. Cute huh? Real Professional right? yes lets screw up our best students chance of getting into a good school so we can act like spoiled brats. Guess how our community felt about teachers after that, let alone the students.

 

[Tiffer]

I am never of fan of these threads that bash a group of people as a whole. I am not a teacher. Do I wish I had some of the benefits teachers have? A bit fat Yes. But I could always change professions.


OP--sorry your child is dissappointed. Sorry the robotics club is a no go. But the point of school is not to be in he robotics club. I've never even heard of a robotics club.

Why don't you talk to the teacher and find out the real story. ?? Soemtimes you will be more sympatheticto one's plight after you hear their side.

 

[paigevz]

Oh I would say thousands and thousands of people everyday!!!! Ever hear of Boy Scout leaders and Girl Scout leaders, 4H leaders, Sunday School teachers, Key Club advisor's, Boys and Girls club volunteers, Hospital volunteers, Junior Achievement advisor's. I'm sorry teachers doing clubs are only doing what many, many other people are also doing with out asking to be declared Saints!


Be glad you don't have a senior, our lovely "professionals" last negotiations put a slow down on or refused to write any letters of recommendation for college. Cute huh? Real Professional right? yes lets screw up our best students chance of getting into a good school so we can act like spoiled brats. Guess how our community felt about teachers after that, let alone the students.

I know I won't change any minds here and I won't try, BUT when was the last time you heard a teacher who did those things ask to be called a Saint, and if you did how many of them did you hear ask that? Not many I'm sure.

AND, none of those other thousands of people are in the position of being thought of as HAVING to do this if they want a raise, as the OP thinks, and I'm sure, where there's one, there are more that think the same.

As for the letters of recommendation, the ones that didn't write them, shame on them, the "slow down" sounds like to me people just suspecting and being paranoid, and I'm sure there were many teachers who wrote them anyway. That sure doesn't mean that all or even the majority of teachers would do the same. I don't know any who would. In fact, we never strike in this area. There are thousands upon thousands on teachers here. Yet we are included with the small minority who would do anything like that.

And yeah, go ahead and use the argument that I should blame it on my fellows. Well, I don't. There aren't that many out there doing it frankly. Just like there aren't that many kids out there shooting up schools, there aren't that many .........well, I won't start with the profiling, but you understand where I could go with that. We don't blame intolerance on the group do we? We blame it on the intolerants.