NEA moves to help poor schools with best teachers - USATODAY.com:
"Van Roekel said the move is part of the union's 'Priority Schools' campaign that will also encourage 'the most accomplished teachers-members' to start their teaching careers in high-needs schools, remain there or transfer there.
In the past, NEA has come under fire from critics for supporting contracts that allow experienced teachers with more seniority to transfer to schools that serve more middle-class children.
The critics include the Education Trust, a Washington-based advocacy group for low-income and minority students.
'They've said (it's a) local issue,' says Amy Wilkins, the Education Trust's vice president for government affairs. 'That's a non-approach.'
Wilkins on Tuesday said that she welcomes the move but that she's not holding her breath. 'I want to see it,' she said."
"Van Roekel said the move is part of the union's 'Priority Schools' campaign that will also encourage 'the most accomplished teachers-members' to start their teaching careers in high-needs schools, remain there or transfer there.
In the past, NEA has come under fire from critics for supporting contracts that allow experienced teachers with more seniority to transfer to schools that serve more middle-class children.
The critics include the Education Trust, a Washington-based advocacy group for low-income and minority students.
'They've said (it's a) local issue,' says Amy Wilkins, the Education Trust's vice president for government affairs. 'That's a non-approach.'
Wilkins on Tuesday said that she welcomes the move but that she's not holding her breath. 'I want to see it,' she said."