A+Cauldron+of+Opposition+in+Duncan's+Hometown

-Carrie and Irene: "We can't make any changes if we don't have parents, students, community organizations, and other unions on board with us." The Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators (CORE) in Chicago made this observation as they worked to unite their city's public education system. Members of CORE were elected to the powerful Chicago Teacher's Union, which had been moving toward closing schools, turning them into charters, and in so doing, giving away public institutions to private organizations. Questions: How do your school's teachers work with the administration, union, and school board? Do they work with each other, or against each other? Is there open communication?

Amy: Our school board and union are always at odds and in the midst of negotiations/mediation over contract disputes. I believe right now that the climate of my school had the administration and teachers having opposing views on many things, mostly mandates that are district wide. However, some issues are central to my building and the poor relationship that has developed between the teachers and our principal. Poor communication and poor plannig have resulted in a lot of frustration and stress that I feel is unneccessary and unfortunate.

Irene: How sad. Are any of the issues actually about the students? Or dickering about rights and disputes between staff and administration?

Stephanie- It is sad, we should be able to trust our administrators but many of us (I'm at the same school as Amy) don't feel that we can. We are "told" that we have to do things, we are not asked for our input, We are also "told" that all of these new changes are for the benefit of our students but I have yet to see how my students are benefitting from these fabulous changes. We feel as if rather than helping the students we have been taking 10 steps back. Our students are not getting nearly the help they should be. We ask questions but don't get answers, we ask for help and training but don't get that either. Unfortunately we are learning not to go to our administrators when we need help. Our union has been good, trying to help the teachers, the school board fights the union and staff every step of the way!!! ﻿Five years ago when I started the union was really putting pressure on the teachers to work required hours only and frowning on any staff volunteering. I did not agree with this and was in a pickle since I was a new teacher and needed to do a great job in order to stay employed. In our district you need great reviews for three years in order to be somewhat secure in your position. Since that time things have gotten better, but the district is still negotiating the 2009-2011 contract. I hope things do not get out of hand. It seems to me that a lot of teachers and administrators take on the "Us and them" attitude and become so negative and backstabbing that everyone suffers including the kids. I know that I get shunned by some teachers because I choose not to go to union meetings or attend functions. I have made my personal choice. I am not of the generation of entitlement and I feel lucky to have a job. My life experience also tells me that in almost every company there will always be disagreements between administrators and employees. I have told myself that if I ever take on the attitude of "Us and them" that I will need to change careers, because you just can't be a great teacher when you're that angry. Jen

Cheri- Communication is the key. We need an HONEST and OPEN dialog between teachers, administration and parents. We should all be in it for the benefits of the students but a lot of times egos and personal agendas get in the way. I think the other problem is; not many people like change. Change is scary so it is human nature to resist.

Christa: I agree with many of the comments. It is so sad that there are such disagreements amongst these diffrent networks. Instead of working against one another, shouldn't we all be working together to better educate and prepare our youth?! I mean, isn't that what the job description entails?! Sometimes I feel that people worry too much about the petty little things and lose sight of the larger picture. I know in my school there are several people that are afraid to voice there opinions, even if it would be in the best interest of the students, simply because they are afraid to "go against the grain" of administration. I don't believe that children learn best through intimidation, and I don't believe that as educators we should have to worry about that either. Expressing differing thoughts and opions should be acceptable and open to be heard, as long as it is in the best interest of students. I believe that so much more can be accomplished, and result in a product of quality, when people are working together cooperatively in an open and welcoming environment. I agree that change can be scary, but is sometimes necessary. Open-mindedness and communication is key!