The role of K-12 teacher unions?

[1988rogers]

cool, teachers unions are just like the soviet union!

[specialtymachining]

According to a labor Think Tank, quoted by EFF; the only ones who ever profit from strikes, are the union organization. Union members and employers always lose. In a somewhat free market economy, supply & demand work very well to keep employers and employees competitive. Unions hinder this, by protecting poor employees (currently). Is this why, in Washington State, we spend about $11,000 per student per year (K-12)? Probably part of the reason.

[teachingpassion]

What makes an unattractive environment for qualified teachers are low pay, ridiculous reforms that are not in the best interests of our children, and disrespectful comments like the ones you just made. Our US education system is not failing as a whole! We have one of the best systems that includes EVERYONE! Meaning our system isn't like many countries where only the smartest or the wealthiest get educational opportunities. Teachers unions prove vital to protecting teachers as professionals.

[lilakmess]

Good points, teachingpassion. Our education system is certainly better, in terms of accessibility, than many systems in the world. Given our global economy, though, I think it's safe to say that our schools are failing our STUDENTS. Kids are still learning an antiquated curriculum, rather than the business and technology acumen that will help them understand and succeed in our rapidly expanding global economy, which will, in the end, place them way behind populations in many emerging markets.

[teachingpassion]

I really appreciate your response. I agree some schools still lack the technology resources as well as some curriculum that would be more meaningful. For instance, it would be great if every kindergarten-second grader received foreign language instruction. We give this in high school when research shows that children learn languages better at young ages. But it's like you said, there are a lot of politics that determine this and often the research is ignored.

[teachingpassion]

Keep in mind though that not all schools lack the technology or the curriculum. Generally our suburban schools remain wonderful institutions of learning. I dislike how people lump all public schools together. Some cities and rural schools do have problems, but our system as a whole is great.

[teachingpassion]

I appreciate your response. I would agree that technology integration and curriculum remains lacking in some areas. For instance, all students in k-2 should learn a foreign language. Studies show that children learn languages best at this age, yet we still only offer it in HS in most areas. Many times research is ignored, because like you said politics prevail.

[sunnygirl213]

"the business and technology acumen that will help them understand and succeed in our rapidly expanding global economy."

lilakmess, please tell me those words are from some mission statement and not your own.

[tooosweeet]

Hopefully none. Teachers unions are one of the top 2 reasons the US education system fails. Teachers unions are a joke, all they do is keep bad teachers teaching and create an unattractive environment for qualified teachers.

[teachingpassion]

Teachers unions remain instrumental in helping to provide a quality education to all students and professional working conditions for all teachers.

[tooosweeet]

Teachers unions remain instrumental in providing the poorest education possible, to all students.