Frederick M. Hess's Blog
Voice of Classroom Teachers Stifled... By UFT Election Rules
by Frederick M. Hess • Apr 12, 2010 at 9:16 am
Cross-posted from Education Week
First off, note that less than one in three UFT members voted at all. In any election, low turnout gives an exaggerated voice to the most disgruntled and ideological. In union elections, where veterans have more at stake, low turnout also concentrates influence among senior members invested in preserving perks and protections.
What you might find surprising about the UFT election, though, was the degree to which it was dominated by people who aren't teachers. Might this help explain the UFT's focus on gold-plated health care, pensions, and
