It's possible to imagine a relationship between teacher's unions and teacher misconduct legislation but that does not mean that the relationship is vital and thriving. I imagine that it is one that is reaching to connect but just missing the mark. I think that's because each side has it's own to protect: the unions protect the teachers and the legislation protects the students. It's not to say that the unions don't care for the child's best interest, but it's true business is teachers.
"The evolution of teacher/education/employee misconduct legislation" article breaks down the components of the bills 79,190,and 428 and the challenge facing those who wish to understand the true nature of those legislations lies in the definition of misconduct. HB 70 does not offer a clear representation of what "conduct unbecoming to the teaching profession" happens to be. The other bills have recommended code of conduct that make them credible. It is impossible, I think, to label something professional when it is unfinished. It is entirely "unprofessional" to speed a bill through that is unclear and incomplete.
When rules are defined and standards for teachers are in place (ODE Standards for Ohio Educators) then professionalism exists. Those teachers that break those rules and laws, as within any profession, should be held responsible and consequences faced. The idea that some may feel (as Jenny spoke about in her presentation) it's easier to just let the"close to retirement teacher" finish out the remaining years even though her teaching may be shoddy, is just preposterous to me as a parent. What parent would agree to that? The article "What should schools do about bad teachers?" states that it could cost $200,00-350,000 to complete the years long process to fire that poor performing teacher. Whose fault is that? The unions? Maybe the protection that the unions create costs some students a better education.
I think that the unions do promote the idea of professionalism. NEA's website and publications offer the reader insight into the exciting world of education. I like that the unions are able to give the teachers a voice and that it can be backed by thousands/millions strong. Political maneuverings, I think, make unions lose a little of that professionalism that they so strongly encourage because motivations then are driven by agendas.
Not sure if that relationship between teacher legislation and unions can be made whole or even if it's supposed to, just as long as the main goal is in the student's best interest.
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Deb- I found the same article very surprising. The cost and time listed is ridiculous and answers my questions as to why it isn't done more often. But it also does NOT make it okay! Seems like we need to reassess the system in place. If I was a parent in a class with one of "those teachers" I would be furious that they are not receiving the best possible education. It seems that the unions are at fault in this sense.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I would agree that the teacher’s unions are politically driven and driven by these political agendas. What was really troubling for me was to see to what party the NEA gives most of it’s money for political support? (I was not surprised however.) Dr. Scott posted that union political affiliation document which shows that the NEA gives 92% of it’s allotted money to the Democratic Party while the political affiliation of it’s members are divided equally in 1/3 for each of the major affiliations (Republican, Democratic and Independent). The document states at the bottom in bold, “Fair Representation?” I should say not, at least not for me. From a moral standpoint, I cannot belong to the Democratic Party, and ethically, the Democratic Party stands for a great deal of issues that are against my beliefs. Therefore, it would be very hard for me to be a member of the NEA.
ReplyDeleteSince when was blaming the system an acceptable excuse? Systems are flawed, that is a given, but isn't that why we have free will? We can blame the unions until we are blue in the face, and perhaps in some eyes, they perpetuate "the problem," but until we start taking responsibility for our own actions, we heave no one to blame but ourselves, as educators, if we are not giving our best everyday.
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