Study Shows Union Strategy Shift

     Politics aren't "as usual" for teacher unions these days.  A recent study from Education Sector shows that local union presidents aren't as active in traditional labor negotiations as they used to be. . .

     It is about time they recognized the benefit of collaborative meetings with school boards and administrators.  What MSTA has known all along is that putting on the gloves and emerging from separate corners of the ring doesn't garner desired results in education.  Shared accountability for student achievement puts us in the same corner, and the only opponents to tackle are literacy, proficiency in mathematics, science education, the arts, etc.

     So has NCLB threatened the viability of teacher unions?  I don't think so.  There will always be a need for employees to voice concerns about salary and working conditions.  But if we can expand those discussions to include what is best for kids, we'll have created a climate in which real progress in education can be achieved.

     There is my optimistic outlook upon returning to work from an extended break!