WTU rallies for new contract

[Anonymous]

Should be retire not return

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

See, the thing about the moving threats is, it doesn’t really impact us as teachers. One less student sounds great. Not really sure it’s a way to try to intimidate the mayors side either, as demand for homes in DC is through the roof. I care about my students but also about being paid a fare rate and having a reasonable work load so that I can effectively teach my students. You are welcome to do what you wish but threats like that aren’t moving the needle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are absolutely evil to be threatening to strike.

Could you provide some examples of other ways you would like them to advocate for a new contract?

Pretty much any way except that? But sure, you can keep on asserting that teacher’s unions can do whatever they want to advance their interests, and that the interests of children are irrelevant to the union. And if you say that, I will assert that the union is evil because they are using their power to hurt children. Even the threat of hurting children is unconscionable. The sad part is, most DC parents would actually support teachers getting a good contract - but when you make clear you don’t GAF about hurting kids, you lose your natural allies.

Would you mind building on your first sentence? What are some other ways?

NP but teachers could work to the contract:
Only at school during contracted hours (no after school extra help, club meetings, etc.)
Only cover classes under the contractual way (I don’t remember what it is but there’s something where you don’t have to give up your planning every day for class coverage)
Don’t write any college recommendation or scholarship recommendation letters because it’s not in the contract (HS mostly, and this one most teachers won’t actually do but it’s effective)

Guess what? Teachers aren’t going to strike. You know it, and so do we. Also, your ideas are great. If I did any of them my Impact rating would be abysmally low. That’s right, part of our evaluation is based on what we do outside of our contracted requirements. How fair is that?

Seems pretty sensible to me. I am a public servant, and we all understand that our contract is the bare minimum. If we work to that standard, we meet expectations. If we do more, that is how we achieve exceeds expectations or outstanding.

Working to the contract DOES NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS. I thought that was clear.

+1

No, I asked if you are fired. I know that was clear.

Can a parent please share their perspective because I’m legit curious which you’d prefer:

Option A: your emails are not replied too, your kid comes home every day complaining that they learned nothing, kid states that their class had 50+ kids bc a teacher was out and there was no coverage, there’s no time to ever have a “quick” five minute chat at dismissal.

OR

Option B; for 2-3 days, your kid has to stay home

A.

I will back the union up to the point of striking.

However, I believe what I think is moot because neither the union nor the mayor cares about my family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

Lmao what a lie. You need teachers if you’d like to save money. What a deflection. Ok Karen, there are less families like you living in DC.

Why do you assume the PP is white?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

Lmao what a lie. You need teachers if you’d like to save money. What a deflection. Ok Karen, there are less families like you living in DC.

Fewer, teacher, Fewer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

Lmao what a lie. You need teachers if you’d like to save money. What a deflection. Ok Karen, there are less families like you living in DC.

Annnnnd here we go. I honestly can’t believe this tired trope is even a thing after we’ve seen the effects of school closures.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

Lmao what a lie. You need teachers if you’d like to save money. What a deflection. Ok Karen, there are less families like you living in DC.

Annnnnd here we go. I honestly can’t believe this tired trope is even a thing after we’ve seen the effects of school closures.

Teacher here and I agree let’s try to avoid these sorts of comments

[Anonymous]

IMO, DCUM represents a very small percentage of DC parents. The majority of parents I talk too have have no idea what it is and don't care. Taking surveys at a supermarket is probably more representative. Still the WTU needs to do a better job of communicating what it wants.

I get a ton of mail for the DC primaries. Is the WTU sending out mailers, updates on Twitter, Facebook, etc. to gain support? Maybe I just missed it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

Huh when did you support us though? Did I miss this?

Prior to covid school closures, I supported teachers unions and thought that charters should be unionized, and was anti-voucher. Post covid, I think charters are a necessity, I don’t trust the union, and think that Catholic schools should get vouchers.

But those are just thoughts. The last one is dangerous but not the norm in a blue area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

Lmao what a lie. You need teachers if you’d like to save money. What a deflection. Ok Karen, there are less families like you living in DC.

Fewer, teacher, Fewer.

Less parents like you, lessssssssssss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

It's the single worst thing that could have happened. Families who had the resources to pivot and educate kids at home or got them into privates for that time learned, hey, turns out I don't NEED schools and teachers as much as I though I did. And families who struggled for a year and a half just to function without in person school lost trust with teachers and schools.

I think the union and individual teachers see the small minority of very vocal parents who will back the union no matter what and fully supported closures and think they have the backing of families. They don't. For us it's a tenuous dance where I like our individual teachers but am still recovering from what 18 months of school closures meant for a our family, and if we start the year with a teacher strike, I really am done -- charter or moving, but no more DCPS.

Lmao what a lie. You need teachers if you’d like to save money. What a deflection. Ok Karen, there are less families like you living in DC.

Why do you assume the PP is white?

I assume they are white or white passing. Because this forum literally has posts about white people leaving DC and it’s great impact, even though Black people have been forced out of DC for decades. So yes, I know the demographic on here is majority (but yes not all) white.

And fine I will not resort to Karen comments if they stop with these dumb threats. You can leave in silence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO, DCUM represents a very small percentage of DC parents. The majority of parents I talk too have have no idea what it is and don't care. Taking surveys at a supermarket is probably more representative. Still the WTU needs to do a better job of communicating what it wants.

I get a ton of mail for the DC primaries. Is the WTU sending out mailers, updates on Twitter, Facebook, etc. to gain support? Maybe I just missed it.

Thank you this is an actual good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who doesn't like the uncertainty generated by the WTU can just go to a charter. It won't be a great charter if they decide at the beginning of the school year, but they can go.

Who cares, anyway. WTU doesn't need you or your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone who doesn't like the uncertainty generated by the WTU can just go to a charter. It won't be a great charter if they decide at the beginning of the school year, but they can go.

Who cares, anyway. WTU doesn't need you or your kids.

WTU, come get your people. This is exactly what not to do if prepping for a strike. Y’all are chaotic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All teacher's unions have enormous power now with teachers quitting, retiring, etc. I suspect a deal will get done fairly quickly. One side has all the leverage and it's not even close.

Then why no contract after over 3 years? If they have ‘enormous’ power.

Please, I encourage you to stop spreading misinformation. It only hurts us and ultimately the kids pay the price as they have been. And yes, covid was a part of that and the learning loss. I volunteered to go back in Jan 2021 but even still I understand the hurt parents feel for their babies’ loss.

But we can only move forward and we (teachers) need a better evaluation system, title 1 schools especially need more resources, we need to figure out how we can stop chronic absences and tardies, and yes teachers do need a raise. I know we are paid ‘well’ but I want to continue living in DC, I support better wages for literally almost everyone.

This is the insidious framing that teachers often employ, and it's often nonsense. They suggest that anything that hurts teachers will inevitably hurt students. In reality, the teachers union is looking out for the interests of teachers (as it should - this is not a criticism, that is the function of the union). If it also helps the kids, great. But that's serendipitous, not the purpose of the union's position. But you can't have a conversation with a teacher without being told "what's good for teachers is good for students." That's a myth.

Oh? So keeping great teachers doesn’t help students?
Attracting people to DCPS doesn’t help?

Because if you did not know the WTU includes SLPs, OTs, social workers, etc.

What is good for teachers is indeed related to students besides maybe pay. And the purpose of the union is connected to students because WE (teachers) connect it to them.

For example class size doesn’t impact students?
Caseload size?
If the teacher is absent having a sub in place?
Planning time so students can engage in well thought out lessons?
Actually being paid for after school time so students can enjoy more clubs?

you lost this argument when you kept schools closed for 1.5 yrs. We told you then that the consequences would be a massive loss of parent support for the union in the future. well, here we are.

Huh when did you support us though? Did I miss this?

It's a good point. On the flip side, I don't recall ever seeing the level of teacher union animosity I do now. So maybe people didn't support the union before, but they have active dislike now.