Negotiating Better Contracts with a Local Union Involving Teachers in Decision-Making

Paige Miller discusses the process of creating a local teachers union and the benefits it can provide. She shares her experience of transitioning from a union tied to ISTA and NEA to a local union in Carmel. She emphasizes the importance of teachers having a voice in decision-making and the need for a union that truly represents their interests. Paige also discusses the challenges and potential pushback that may arise when starting a local union. The lack of personnel is a major roadblock in education, with one aid having to share their support among multiple teachers. This leads to unqualified individuals working with low-performing students. More funding is needed to support the number of personnel required to meet students' needs. One solution proposed is to bring retired teachers back into the schools and pay them a stipend to provide support in K-3 classrooms. Another suggestion is to provide mentors for first and second-year teachers, offering them a life license and a financial incentive to mentor others. The conversation also highlights the importance of involving teachers in decision-making and highlighting successful teaching practices.

Takeaways:

·      Creating a local teachers union allows teachers to have a stronger voice and representation in decision-making processes.

·      Local unions can negotiate better contracts and have a louder voice at the negotiations table.

·      Starting a local union may face pushback from ISTA and NEA, and there may be tension between the local union and the existing union.

·      Teachers should have conversations with each other and ensure they have over 50% support before filing paperwork to split from the existing union.

·      Teachers should be aware of potential scare tactics used by the existing union and consider the benefits of a local union, such as a defense fund and stronger representation.

·      Teachers need to be involved in the decision-making process and have a say in educational policies and curriculum choices. The lack of personnel in education is a major obstacle to meeting students' needs.

·      More funding is needed to support the hiring of additional personnel.

·      Retired teachers can be brought back into the schools to provide support in K-3 classrooms.

·      Mentors can be valuable for first and second-year teachers, and financial incentives can be offered to encourage experienced teachers to take on mentoring roles.

·      Teachers should be involved in decision-making processes and their successful teaching practices should be highlighted.