NEA Could Not Care Less about Teachers

              According to “Education Week,” July 4^th issue, “The National Education Association just approved a policy statement on teacher evaluation theoretically permitting use of standardized-test scores as one measure of teacher performance.”  This substantiates their concern is not for teachers.  To appraise “any person” on the achievement of another is absurd.

             All teachers disburse identical amounts for their dues, therefore the NEA could not care less who is in the classroom, merely that someone is in the classroom.  Conversely if they were to be expected to sanction a policy to reduce teachers that would be something the NEA would find worth fighting for, since that would remove money from their pocket.

            The local affiliates do go to arbitration for their members, although from what I have learned there is some political bargaining that takes place.  I was informed by someone with authority that persistently grievances are not decided on their merit.  They are negotiated, for instance; the school district will concede on three if you abandon four. This is no way to settle grievances.  

            I have been involved with several of them and can attest to the fact that I have never been able to figure out how they are settled.  All of them had some merits a couple were cut and dry.  Actually one that was a clear violation of the policies actually lost, while one of the weakest grievances won.  This does not demonstrate concern for teachers; it illustrates apathy, laziness and concern only for what is effortless not fitting, appropriate or respectable.

            As I have been declaring ceaselessly, when you converse pertaining to teachers unions or associations do not mistake them with genuine classroom teachers.  Teachers teach; teachers associations accumulate dues.

Jim Blockey                                            
Teacher/Author “Teachers… It Ain’t Your Fault.”