Chris Lehmann: In Defense of Teachers Unions
Are unions perfect? No. Ask anyone involved with one.
But it comes down to this: Do you believe that people have the right to a say in their own workplace?
If so, do you believe that their voice will be stronger collectively or alone?
If you believe that teachers have more ability to have a say in their schools collectively, then you believe in unions. Whatever frustrations, whatever issues, whatever problems you have with the manner in which a specific union may or may not have acted...so be it. You believe in unions.
We should have a great debate in this country about what teaching and learning looks like. Part of that debate should be about what role the teacher assumes and how that life is sustainable, livable and just. The teachers unions will be at the table for that conversation. They should be; they need to be.
In our schools, it is very easy to run roughshod over the rights of adults. "It's for the children... you're for the children, aren't you?" It's an easy sell, and it tugs at the heartstrings of all -- but the most hardened of hearts. It'
But it comes down to this: Do you believe that people have the right to a say in their own workplace?
If so, do you believe that their voice will be stronger collectively or alone?
If you believe that teachers have more ability to have a say in their schools collectively, then you believe in unions. Whatever frustrations, whatever issues, whatever problems you have with the manner in which a specific union may or may not have acted...so be it. You believe in unions.
We should have a great debate in this country about what teaching and learning looks like. Part of that debate should be about what role the teacher assumes and how that life is sustainable, livable and just. The teachers unions will be at the table for that conversation. They should be; they need to be.
In our schools, it is very easy to run roughshod over the rights of adults. "It's for the children... you're for the children, aren't you?" It's an easy sell, and it tugs at the heartstrings of all -- but the most hardened of hearts. It'