NEA Supports Oregon Educators
By Brenda Álvarez
Educators want to remain in classrooms—teaching students—and they’ll go at great lengths to do so. In recent years, they have been shown to work with expired contract or work without pay to ensure students don’t miss an academic beat. At times, however, educators are pushed to take a hardline against practices that weaken the quality of their students’ educational experience, as well as their profession. And that is what’s happening in Medford, Ore., where educators have gone on strike.A few hours north of Medford, in Portland, educators are also standing up for their students and profession. For the past ten months, they have been negotiating a contract that would result in smaller class sizes; give teachers the flexibility to teach creatively, not to the test; support students and schools who need it most; and provide fair compensation.
The National Education Association is committed to supporting educators who know what is best for their students, school, and community. Below are letters of support from NEA President Dennis Van Roekel.
Gwen Sullivan, President
Portland Association of Teachers
345 NE 8th
Portland, Oregon 97232
Dear Gwen:
On behalf of your 3 million colleagues, I want to salute you for standing strong in your efforts to secure a fair and equitable contract. You are on the frontlines – giving students the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. I applaud you for “fighting for the schools Portland students deserve” by taking a firm stand to reduce overcrowded classes, provide students with adequate support and resources, and ensure that every member receives professional pay for the important work that you do for children and public education.
Portland teachers encourage, inspire, and serve the community’s children every day. You deserve a level of compensation and a voice in professional issues that recognizes your valuable contributions.
You’re fighting for your schools and your students—your commitment to create great public schools for every student in Portland motivates you to stand tall and make your voices heard until you get a fair and equitable