Monday, August 02, 2004
We need to change our attitude toward probationary teachers. Now they are paying dues and therefore to earn their trust and respect, we must do more for them. Rather than saying, "We can't do much for you until you are permanent, so just keep a low profile until then." That is not how a group of leaders should act, and esp in the current climate where districts need teachers.
If it's ok to take their money, we need to work harder for them.
We need to focus on issues where we have traditionally failed: salary and health benefits. If we are professionals, our salaries and benefits hardly demonstrates this...and this is a profession that is no longer a female, part time, second income kind of job: most of us work part of the summer if not all year round to prepare and be better in the classroom.
We need a leader in educational issues; we don't need a president of the soap box.
If it's ok to take their money, we need to work harder for them.
We need to focus on issues where we have traditionally failed: salary and health benefits. If we are professionals, our salaries and benefits hardly demonstrates this...and this is a profession that is no longer a female, part time, second income kind of job: most of us work part of the summer if not all year round to prepare and be better in the classroom.
We need a leader in educational issues; we don't need a president of the soap box.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
What should our sacred leader do as President?
Let's take an apolitical stand, esp since almost half of members are Republicans anyway....It's time we have an independent voice, and one that is focused on educational issues whether than some broader political ones. We, not politicians, are the experts on educational and we need to be consulted within our realm
Let's focus on our issues: first, that we are entitled on our COLA each year; and if not year X, then in year Y, but you will pay us COLA for each year, in years X and Y....No more excuses that the state or district did not plan. You will pay us cola each year without fail; you will not use the excuse that increases in insurance premiums ate up cola. we want full family coverage in addition to our cola, pure and simple. Why insist? in my 13 years of teaching we have received raises 3 times....that is not a good record for a state that cannot find qualified teachers.
Second, we as CTA can plan and execute our own CLAD training. We the teachers know a few things and can better prepare our teachers for the CLAD.
Working conditions: discipline continues to be an issue in most school districts. Also the physical structures of our schools, trailers, ie classrooms. air quality. In many distircts in SoCa we live indoors for three months. We and our purpose--our students--need to breath clean air.
Let's take an apolitical stand, esp since almost half of members are Republicans anyway....It's time we have an independent voice, and one that is focused on educational issues whether than some broader political ones. We, not politicians, are the experts on educational and we need to be consulted within our realm
Let's focus on our issues: first, that we are entitled on our COLA each year; and if not year X, then in year Y, but you will pay us COLA for each year, in years X and Y....No more excuses that the state or district did not plan. You will pay us cola each year without fail; you will not use the excuse that increases in insurance premiums ate up cola. we want full family coverage in addition to our cola, pure and simple. Why insist? in my 13 years of teaching we have received raises 3 times....that is not a good record for a state that cannot find qualified teachers.
Second, we as CTA can plan and execute our own CLAD training. We the teachers know a few things and can better prepare our teachers for the CLAD.
Working conditions: discipline continues to be an issue in most school districts. Also the physical structures of our schools, trailers, ie classrooms. air quality. In many distircts in SoCa we live indoors for three months. We and our purpose--our students--need to breath clean air.
