Monday, November 1, 2010

Support for United Federation of Teachers eroding as once-mighty union forced to make concessions

Support for United Federation of Teachers eroding as once-mighty union forced to make concessions

Support for United Federation of Teachers eroding as once-mighty union forced to make concessions

Monday, November 1st 2010, 5:13 AM

UFT President Michael Mulgrew speaks at a United Federation of Teachers press conference. The lobby has taken a beating in recent years.
Warga/News
UFT President Michael Mulgrew speaks at a United Federation of Teachers press conference. The lobby has taken a beating in recent years.

In the recent blowup over the release of teacher ratings, the United Federation of Teachers couldn't even rely on the Democratic White House for support.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan sided with the city - the latest blow to the once-mighty union, which has seen public support dwindle and has been forced to make concessions unthinkable just a few years ago.

Teachers unions were painted as villains in the high-profile education documentary "Waiting for Superman."

And the competition for millions of dollars in federal Race to the Top funds promoted reforms traditionally opposed by the unions, like charter schools and teacher evaluations linked to test scores.

"Public sentiment clearly has shifted in favor of reform and accountability



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2010/11/01/2010-11-01_support_for_united_federation_of_teachers_eroding_as_oncemighty_union_forced_to_.html?r=ny_local/education#ixzz1421W05xt