QUOTE(jen @ Feb 21 2007, 08:45 PM)
Pari, the people who are supposedly speaking for the teachers are the ones who are creating the disdain. Many of us are just parents who want the best teachers in our classrooms, want the facts on both sides of the issue, and disagree with some of the tactics that are promoted by the union. But whenever we speak up, we are called names and told to shut our pieholes?! The sort of response we're receiving from teachers and their closest supporters is what is causing us parents to become upset and opposed to their agenda.
I understand. Emotions are running strong on both sides, actually. I do see that parents want both sides, as do I. I am also a parent in this district. I have kids in elementary and middle school. I would ask the community members here to keep in mind that the teachers are extremely frustrated. I feel that, as a newcomer, I can be a little more impartial because I don't have the animosity relating to what has occurred in the past. However, I still maintain that negotiations can only occur when there is a legitimate dialogue, which now will be handled by an outside mediator.
I saw a document today that stated the district came to the table at the very beginning with their last, best and final offer to avoid the haggling game. Yet, when I speak to my colleagues, they tell me that the district didn't advise the union of this in the beginning of the negotiating process. According to a particular colleague, there was an expectation to "negotiate" by the union. Apparently, the district wanted to cut to the chase, which, as a person with a business background, makes sense to me as long as they were up front about that approach at the outset.
But there must have been a lapse in their communication with the union or something. Otherwise, why would so many unit members be this frustrated? There had to be a disconnect someplace. There is a lot of "we say"/"they say" going on. We need to know what's true, and there is such lack of trust, that it's hard to know whether what's being offered, is indeed, truly the best and the most reasonable. I want facts, but where are they? I can get one set from the district and another from the union. Clearly, there are two interpretations of the same "facts." And further muddying the waters is the lack of trust between the two parties - or is it really just one-sided -- that the teachers don't trust the district? I am not sure.
The aforementioned lack of trust is what speaks more to me than whatever the offer is. It smacks of an oppressive, ill-conceived notion that the teachers don't need the negotation process which should be based on informed, honest dialogue. Why is there such lack of trust? Why does the district not address this with the teachers? Many of my colleagues feel insulted about how this has all been handled.
While I absolutely respect why my colleagues here in this forum are so frustrated, I would ask those parents who take issue with this to consider that it would be ill-advised to formulate opinions about this matter based upon a narrow selection of perspectives. Rather than make judgments, consider why the situation has become so emotional. It's not because teachers are greedy money-mongers. We are all educated, highly educated. You can't teach in this state if you have any less than 5 1/2 years of college, and in order to keep teaching here you must continue to educate yourself beyond that initial requirement. Sure, there are "bad" teachers out there with bad attitudes. I don't think these teachers are among them. I think they're tired of fighting for fairness over and over again. The vast majority of us are deeply compassionate and care very much for our students and love going to work every day. We continually teach students that standing up for yourself and making a difference is admirable and right. With that embedded in our character, how could we not take issue and vocalize our views when we feel something's not right?
If you were to decide not to support the teachers because you were turned off by the frustrated ventings of people here, you are doing yourself and the community-at-large (including our children) a disservice by allowing yourself to be swayed by something other than facts. You are allowing your emotions to rule your head as well. No matter how you view it, it doesn't look pretty on either side when it comes to that.
Pari
