One huge thing that is going on in my life right now is that I've been asked to run for president of my union. It is something that I've been asked about before, but I've decided to make a go for it. The woman who has been our current president since I've started teaching will more than likely retire soon and asked me to put my name in. I'm in the process of doing fliers, thinking about strategy, and penciling in calendar dates of when I can get out to the various school sites in our district. Some of this is hard for me because I'm not a politician, but I do care about what is happening to students and teachers in my school district.
For instance, we have had two teachers assaulted within the past two weeks of school. While our superintendent thinks it necessary to repaint the interior walls of our new district office (only 2 years old), my colleagues and I suffer through leaky roofs which damages our classroom materials. In the midst of budget cuts and the laying off of teachers, a new job position has been posted in administration. The salary starts at $148,000. All the while, they tell us they have no money.
I have the passion to fight and the tenacity of a pitbull (that only wears lipstick on special occasions!). So while the political parts of this might be tough, I sincerely feel that I am the right person to do this at this time.
Of course, no decision like this is made without talking it over with my husband. He told me that it is something he thinks I need to do. He has listened to my frustrations with my district for many years and probably wants to stop yapping about it
Wrestling Fan just come home from rehearsal. They were giving out roles tonight. He told me that he didn't want anything big. Well, he got a medium sized role and he's
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5 comments:
Ms_Teacher. I love your blog! I'm a pre-service English teacher in Alabama--and sometimes feel like your philosophical alignments suit me more than most found around here.
I like your teacher tips and sound offs. In the middle school where I'm observing right now, they are trying out a no-zero policy. I'm not familiar with California or if they are operating on a similar program, but here's a question for a good seasoned teacher: How do you find a way to motivate the MOST unmotivated student--the one with a 16 average in your class who doesn't care what his or her parents, peers, or teachers think? If they just will not do the work, but you can't give the student a zero--what should you do?
Thanks for your tips and musings :). Keep it up!
I think that sounds like a great idea although I worry about you beating your head against the wall until your brains fall out. I have never been able to understand how school districts can get away with neglecting the basics and pouring money into administration. In Tracy the high school was falling down (literally, one of the buildings was condemned!) but the district spent millions building a new district office.
I've had a lot of trouble blogging lately too. Maybe it's just because it's February? This is why I did the challenge last year. LOL
I really admire people who step up. I also admire people who know when it is best to sit it out and do. Whatever you do, I know you'll do it well. Including your next post. Those of us with you in our Readers will be here when you're ready.
El Presidente, eh. Well, you'd get to go to Monterrey/Pacific Grove this summer for CTA's Presidents Conference. I hear it can be an interesting experience. I too, have been asked by several people to run for a union position.....for our local president and for state council representitive. I don't know if I want to do either one....
I do know, that a big part of being a successful local president is those whom you work with; your VP, secretary, treasurer, the building reps and negotiations team. You as President cannot do it all. You must delegate tasks and encourage those asked to do something to get it done. You must be an expert on your local contract, and be very familiar with California Ed Code as it pertains to teachers.
It takes time; going to school board meetings, executive council meetings, building rep meetings, general association meetings, meetings with your uniserve person......its takes alot away from you teaching and family time.
One thing that puts me off on possibly running, is that it is a two year term (as per our local bylaws). I don't know if I want to / can commit to that.
You might also be subjected to some sort of harassment/retailiation by your district administration or the board. It depends on your district and the people involved.
Good luck with it. Keep us posted !
It sounds like an amazing opportunity for you to make a difference. I can't wait to hear more about it as you go through the process.
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