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Friday, July 27, 2012

CTU will bring a refreshing spirit to the AFT convention. « Fred Klonsky

CTU will bring a refreshing spirit to the AFT convention. « Fred Klonsky:


CTU will bring a refreshing spirit to the AFT convention.

Two years ago Diane Ravitch spoke to the NEA Representative Assembly. Last year and this it was Joe Biden.
Two years ago Bill Gates spoke to the AFT Convention. This year it will be Diane Ravitch.
Nothing goes in a straight line, does it?
As EdWeek’s Stephen Sawchuk points out, there are what you might call cultural and historical differences in the way the two national teacher unions run their conventions. The NEA is more affiliate driven. In a formal sense, the power resides in the state affiliates. This was borne out a dozen years ago when a few affiliates, including Illinois, defeated then-NEA President Bob Chase’s proposals to merge with the AFT.
And as NYC Educator points out on his blog, the AFT convention is a more controlled affair. A UFT teacher who