Re: Teachers' Union in Va? Roanoke?

Thanks for the info. It sounds like it is better than Tx anyway- not
that that is hard to do. I'd like to move back to my former Western
state (not Tx!) that has some degree of labor rights but the housing
is too expensive. Long story but we may end up in Roanoke.

On 10/31/09, Reader wrote:
> Virginia IS a commonwealth - but that has nothing to do with union
> or no union. Pennsylvania is a commonwealth and they have strong
> unions.
>
> Virginia IS an employment at will state. Though, generally not as
> "nutty" as Texas.
>
> "Tenure" means next to nothing in Virginia. In some districts, it
> may hold a tad more sway than others. But nothing like NY where
> you practically can't get fired if you have tenure.
>
> One of the toughest parts of working in Va right now is that our
> standards for AYP under NCLB are MUCH higher than most other
> states. That translates to a huge amount of pressure - at least
> here in Northern Virginia.
>
>
>
> On 10/28/09, T. wrote:
>> I am a SPEd Teacher in Roanoke County - big difference from
>> Roanoke City. But perhaps I can answer a few of your
>> questions. Va. is a Commonwealth - ie no unions. We do have
>> the VEA and in particular the RCEA in Roanoke Co. And REA in
>> the city. We are a teachers organization with all the trickle
>> down rights as in the NEA/VEA - and a local Uniserv Director
>> to help mediate issues/situations. We pay into the VRS (Va
>> retirement System) and into SS. We are not an "at will state"
>> usually - but times are really tough and we are currently
>> under a RIF policy (reduction in force) and I guess it could
>> translate to "at will" for new hires. We do have tenure after
>> 3 years experience w/in a school district and 5yrs for the
>> VRS program. Ideally experienced teachers are more expensive
>> than new hires - but experience pays off. We had over 100
>> teachers to retire last year, as we have an aging teacher
>> population, but there were few new hires due to the RIF and
>> economic hiring freeze. So to answer your question - you can
>> certainly apply for a SPED job in either the county or the
>> city - but you may have better luck in the city. Our budget
>> is DIRE for next year and there will be serious cuts made -
>> "everything is on the table" to quote our superintendant (
>> who by the way has been very transparent w/the RCEA and the
>> teachers! Thank you Dr. Lange!)
>> I hope this helps.
>> On 10/27/09, Refugee from Tx wrote:
>>> I figure this is the quickest place to get answers. Are
>>> there teachers' unions in Va? I mean real unions not
>>> groups. (In the state I am now in they are illegal.) Do
>>> teachers pay into SS? Is Va an "at will" state? (meaning
>>> you can be fired "for any reason or no reason.") Is there
>>> any such thing as tenure or job security? When you have 15
>>> years experience do you get fired for being to far up the
>>> pay scale?
>>> What is the teaching job situation like in Roanoke-
>>> especially for SPED teachers?
>>>
>>> Any info appreciated.