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Teacher Unions Chatboard

Research Opportunity

by Stephanie Asselin

Mar 10, 2022

If you are a female educator in a public school in Texas, I have a research opportunity for you. I am a Doctoral Candidate at Baylor and doing a study on the experiences women working in the field of education have had that triggered shame and exploring their resilience to those experiences. Click the link below to get started: bit.ly/ShameResilien...See More

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Military spouse needs your help - I am trying to retire,

by Sparkle

May 18, 2021

Hopefully someone here can help me or point me in the right direction. I am trying to retire. The last place I taught was in TX, but for some reason TX is only giving me five years of my teaching experience. We moved to NC in 2020 right before the pandemic hit and I wasn't able to work. I have been teaching for 27 years. I have taught many places b...See More

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Top Lesson Planning Resources to Ease Your Life

by PD

Oct 25, 2017

This playlist includes lesson planning hacks, ready-made lesson plans, templates and more.

https://goo.gl/yVZ5Cq

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Why I'm giving up substitute teaching and any teaching.

by Lauren

Dec 20, 2011

So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. My main school district is missing from the list of possible jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, and...See MoreSo, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. My main school district is missing from the list of possible jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes.

Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would have been in deep doo-doo.

The school district also said that another permanent teacher complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!"

I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go because they CAN!

And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I had already accepted one.

Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I graduated, and not one bite.

Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to college.

Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers...

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MJ I identify with Lauren. I am also a substitute and have been substituting for approximately 4 years. Full time teachers in my most recent position were rude and quick to comment negatively about my performance. Most of their comments were extremely petty, and the negative comments came trickling in to the administration only a week into the school ...See MoreI identify with Lauren. I am also a substitute and have been substituting for approximately 4 years. Full time teachers in my most recent position were rude and quick to comment negatively about my performance. Most of their comments were extremely petty, and the negative comments came trickling in to the administration only a week into the school year. The administration responded that my classroom doesn't look any different then theirs, and that I would be staying, and that they should accept me as part of the team until a permanent teacher was found by district. I ended up in the position for the entire year, and dealt with a severe absence of common courtesy and respect from the grade level teachers. They did not speak with me except when absolutely necessary during team meetings. They walked pass me on campus without a smile, a good morning. They sent emails to me in ALL CAPS. It is not always that something is wrong with the person experiencing the problem. It is often, and unfortunate, that a mentality of bullying (in our culture and our workplaces) that creates situations that Lauren and I have experienced. I have looked at myself, made changes as necessary, but, no, I will not lay down my values (respect to others, common courtesy, leadership) to "go along to get along". I don't bow to bullies. Lauren, it is a shame what the district did to you, an absolute shame, and unfortunately it is not an anomaly. It would take a renaissance HR department to really look and analyze a situation (hear BOTH sides for instance) before making a decision in favor of the bullies, so as to avoid upsetting the bullies any further. Getting rid of you made the HR reps job easier, and that's the way of our world. Here' to hoping you find a workplace that values you, that will listen to you as well as others, and will congratulate you on the hard work that substitutes do.

On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: > On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >> removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well >> apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym >> class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, >> and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym >> teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained >> that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes. >> >> Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would >> have been in deep doo-doo. >> >> The school district also said that another permanent teacher >> complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead >> in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's >> lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be >> kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, >> but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!" >> >> I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I >> said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute >> teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers >> and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven >> innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side >> of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go >> because they CAN! >> >> And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is >> hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only >> to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because >> she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job >> that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I >> had already accepted one. >> >> Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. >> Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching >> wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW >> poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and >> also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute >> teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a >> permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I >> graduated, and not one bite. >> >> Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant >> remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a >> break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other >> districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer >> vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 >> weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to >> college. >> >> Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has >> been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position >> either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers >> NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before >> you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that >> "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the >> Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to >> spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. >> I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers... > > > First, I DO sympathize with you and your frustration in not > obtaining a teaching job and also for the way you feel you are > being treated as a substitute. I am a retired teacher who > recently started substituting after the death of my husband. > I needed to keep busy. As a former teacher I must say that I > do not receive more calls than anyone else....perhaps that > problem (favoritism) is not evident in all school districts. > ALo, in all fairness to the profession I must say that > teachers are NOT overpaid. There has always been a huge > amount of work and responsibilities but nowdays, with all the > changes in state requirements, etc. the work load, and the > resulting responsibilities, is unbelievable. also, I was a > teacher for 35 years. My first year's salary was a whole > $5400. When I retired 35 years later at 62 years old my > annual salary was $114,000. During that time I got my > Masters, plus 30 extra credits, and certification in Special > Ed, Orton-Gillingam, and Reading Recovery. I earned every > cent I made. Teachers do not get paid during the summer. If > desired, they can have money withheld from their checks during > the school year and then receive the money in a lump sum to > have for the summer. I can attest to that....I worked every > summer (sometimes for minimum wage) just up until a few years > ago when my salary started to increase. Finally, as far as > substituting, teachers will not request a substitute who has > not followed his/her lesson plans. When I was teaching, I > would spend a long time working on detailed lesson plans for > my class only to return to achool and fins that the substitute > took liberties to modify or change or ignore my plans. I > would notify the main office to not have that particular > substitute come in for me again. I think yo need to reflect > on yoour work. Are you taking liberties and changing the > teachers' plans? Are you leaving them a progress report? Are > you keeping the room in order when you leave? If there are > papers to be graded do you do it? Do you go a little above > and beyond the call of duty? Do the students like you...if > not, figure out why not and work on it. Does the staff like > you...if not figure out why not. There has got to be a reason > you are not getting called and there has got to be a reason > you are not a getting teaching job. No offense, but your > attitude seems to be very negative...that may have something > to do with it.

Apr 5, 2015

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TechMad I agree. Education is a closed system. It needs to be opened and reformed. It is too easy for non-full time teachers to get into trouble, which is terribly discouraging. The current state of educational theory is completely at odds with what the marketplace, let alone adult life require. Our educational institutions should make students more indepe...See More

Apr 8, 2016

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ALL ABOUT UNIONS

by LocoLouie in NY/NM

Dec 3, 2015

I wrote the union piece and to anonymous I just want to say: You are an educator not a teacher. You teach in a yuppie suburb and do very little to help the underclass students in the world. A teacher spends their time, money , life and health working to empower and protect their charges. I even paid for college for one student who had no parents an...See More

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colleague

by inapp

Apr 21, 2015

I received my schedule for next year. Now I find out it was switched with someone else (I will teach entirely new classes) because that teacher did not like her schedule. What can I do?

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How big is your civility footprint?

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Nov 20, 2014

A 'footprint' is a good metaphor for our individual impact on the social or natural environment.

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Welcome to the Teacher Unions Chatboard

by Bob Reap (Teachers.Net)

Jun 8, 2011

Welcome to the Teacher Unions Chatboard. This chatboard is for teachers to discuss teacher unions and teacher professional organizations.

Bookmark this resource and contribute often!

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Stellaluna Great idea for a chatboard. My friends and I were just chatting yesterday about how unions have become the scapegoat for all that ails schools. I am looking forward to chatting with others here. Thanks. :)

On 6/08/11, Bob Reap (Teachers.Net) wrote: > Welcome to the Teacher Unions Chatboard. This chatboard is > for teacher to discuss...See More

Jun 8, 2011

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AussieAnnette We do have unions in Australia but they do not seem to have the clout or the presence that I read about on here. Well the Teacher Unions anyway. Our Builders and Wharfies have in the past had unions that almost ran some branches of politians but that doesn't seem to be so these days...well I haven't heard the rummaging that went on in the past. Wil...See More

Jun 9, 2011

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I support my union

by Karen M.

Jun 9, 2011

Both of my grandmothers worked as mill workers in a piecemeal garment factory in Pennsylvania. I grew up knowing the song "Look for the Union Label". You knew clothes with that label were made by Americans, IN America, and it was quality work.

Fast forward to my first teaching job back in 1979. I was debating about joining the union. I was...See More

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Aunty M - well said, Wendy. Thanks - nfm On 6/10/11, Wendy wrote: > On 6/09/11, Marietta O'Reilly wrote: >> On 6/09/11, Karen M. wrote: >> I too support unions as I support the need for reform in some >> unions. I will continue to communicate with my union leaders >> when I don't fully support a position that they support within >> our district. We need to...See MoreOn 6/10/11, Wendy wrote: > On 6/09/11, Marietta O'Reilly wrote: >> On 6/09/11, Karen M. wrote: >> I too support unions as I support the need for reform in some >> unions. I will continue to communicate with my union leaders >> when I don't fully support a position that they support within >> our district. We need to stand together and be active in our >> unions if we want them to be truly representative of the >> membership. >>> Both of my grandmothers worked as mill workers in a >>> piecemeal garment factory in Pennsylvania. I grew up >>> knowing the song "Look for the Union Label". You knew >>> clothes with that label were made by Americans, IN America, >>> and it was quality work. >>> >>> Fast forward to my first teaching job back in 1979. I was >>> debating about joining the union. I wasn't being paid a >>> lot to begin with, was on a very tight budget, and the dues >>> seemed like a lot at the time. Then I asked a veteran >>> teacher for her opinion, and received one of the best >>> lessons ever. >>> >>> She had started teaching back when there were no unions. >>> When she started teaching, she had a B.S. degree and a M. >>> Ed degree and was a special ed teacher, and she wasn't even >>> making minimum wage. The union fought for a minimum wage >>> for teachers. >>> >>> When she started teaching, female teachers could be >>> dismissed if they got pregnant. They could also be >>> dismissed if they didn't "fool around" with their >>> principals. The union worked for teacher protection and >>> rights. >>> >>> When she started teaching, you had no sick days or personal >>> days. You weren't able to attend professional conferences >>> or go back to school and get additional credit for these >>> things. The union worked to develop a pay step increment >>> ladder for teachers. >>> >>> When she started teaching, if you were hurt on the job or >>> accused of doing anything while on the job, you had no >>> help. No protection at all. No representation. The union >>> worked to develop protocol for when those things happen. >>> >>> We may not experience all of the benefits that the union >>> has worked for all these years, but they, and others, are >>> there IF we ever need them. The union works tirelessly on >>> behalf of US, the teachers. I GLADLY pay my union dues, >>> write letters, wear my union tshirt, read my union >>> mailings, and attend informational meetings. I will do >>> everything I possibly can so that my union will continue to >>> be there for me. > I have been a union member for over 20 years and I proudly > support my local association. We fought for fair wages and > conditions against an anti-teacher city administration and ended > up taking the illegal step of striking. We made up the missed > school days and paid our hefty fine. We had lots of support from > parents and other locals as well as our state association. I > was also supported by my local association when I was riffed > over less qualified teacher. > > I have been on the representative council for many years and have > had the chance to voice concerns about the direction our state > association has taken. Supporting the union does not mean > giving leadership free reign to do as they please, it means being > an active participant. > > It is disheartening when teachers and teacher unions get bashed > for all the problems in education. Unions support us as we > support each other for the important and challenging work we do > each day

Jun 10, 2011

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Sally My union president says: United we bargain, divided we beg! That says it all.

On 6/10/11, Aunty M - well said, Wendy. Thanks - nfm wrote: > On 6/10/11, Wendy wrote: >> On 6/09/11, Marietta O'Reilly wrote: >>> On 6/09/11, Karen M. wrote: >>> I too support unions as I support the need for reform in some >>&g...See MoreMy union president says: United we bargain, divided we beg! That says it all.

On 6/10/11, Aunty M - well said, Wendy. Thanks - nfm wrote: > On 6/10/11, Wendy wrote: >> On 6/09/11, Marietta O'Reilly wrote: >>> On 6/09/11, Karen M. wrote: >>> I too support unions as I support the need for reform in some >>> unions. I will continue to communicate with my union leaders >>> when I don't fully support a position that they support within >>> our district. We need to stand together and be active in our >>> unions if we want them to be truly representative of the >>> membership. >>>> Both of my grandmothers worked as mill workers in a >>>> piecemeal garment factory in Pennsylvania. I grew up >>>> knowing the song "Look for the Union Label". You knew >>>> clothes with that label were made by Americans, IN America, >>>> and it was quality work. >>>> >>>> Fast forward to my first teaching job back in 1979. I was >>>> debating about joining the union. I wasn't being paid a >>>> lot to begin with, was on a very tight budget, and the dues >>>> seemed like a lot at the time. Then I asked a veteran >>>> teacher for her opinion, and received one of the best >>>> lessons ever. >>>> >>>> She had started teaching back when there were no unions. >>>> When she started teaching, she had a B.S. degree and a M. >>>> Ed degree and was a special ed teacher, and she wasn't even >>>> making minimum wage. The union fought for a minimum wage >>>> for teachers. >>>> >>>> When she started teaching, female teachers could be >>>> dismissed if they got pregnant. They could also be >>>> dismissed if they didn't "fool around" with their >>>> principals. The union worked for teacher protection and >>>> rights. >>>> >>>> When she started teaching, you had no sick days or personal >>>> days. You weren't able to attend professional conferences >>>> or go back to school and get additional credit for these >>>> things. The union worked to develop a pay step increment >>>> ladder for teachers. >>>> >>>> When she started teaching, if you were hurt on the job or >>>> accused of doing anything while on the job, you had no >>>> help. No protection at all. No representation. The union >>>> worked to develop protocol for when those things happen. >>>> >>>> We may not experience all of the benefits that the union >>>> has worked for all these years, but they, and others, are >>>> there IF we ever need them. The union works tirelessly on >>>> behalf of US, the teachers. I GLADLY pay my union dues, >>>> write letters, wear my union tshirt, read my union >>>> mailings, and attend informational meetings. I will do >>>> everything I possibly can so that my union will continue to >>>> be there for me. >> I have been a union member for over 20 years and I proudly >> support my local association. We fought for fair wages and >> conditions against an anti-teacher city administration and ended >> up taking the illegal step of striking. We made up the > missed >> school days and paid our hefty fine. We had lots of support from >> parents and other locals as well as our state association. I >> was also supported by my local association when I was > riffed >> over less qualified teacher. >> >> I have been on the representative council for many years and have >> had the chance to voice concerns about the direction our state >> association has taken. Supporting the union does not mean >> giving leadership free reign to do as they please, it means being >> an active participant. >> >> It is disheartening when teachers and teacher unions get bashed >> for all the problems in education. Unions support us as we >> support each other for the important and challenging work we do >> each day

Nov 8, 2012

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I know what teaching was like before unions

by we don't want to go back to that

Jun 9, 2011

eople need to study some history to realize just how much unions have helped teaching as a profession.

PS I know I didn't include my email address. I don't really want a Kindle, I just wanted to post.

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