Chicago Public School Teachers on Strike...

Jeanwah

kelly311 wrote:

I make a decent wage, but as an early childhood special education teacher, I earn every penny that I make.

I just want to say that of all the teachers out there, it is the special ed teachers that are in this line of work truly for the kids. Of all the teachers I've met of my daughter's, her special ed teachers have been the best and hardest working teachers out there, who actually do put the students first and foremost as a priority rather than typical teacher perks. Thank you for what you do, Kelly!

kelly311

cincybearcat wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

Not true on what point? The CTU stated yesterday that money was not a sticking point...

Just asking, this article makes the strike about $ (not salary, but benefits) and about ensuring they have jobs if schools close. I never saw anywhere about the stuff you wrote about...safe, good learning environments, etc. I was just wondering your thoughts on this article and whether or not it was highlighting the top reasons of the strike as it says it is.

I think benefits has something to do with it, but I don't think that will be too difficult for them to hammer out. Both sides have already made concessions in this area. The job security point is there because CPS is threatening to close 100 schools next year and open charters to replace them. It seems that Rahm is attempting to privatize education. I think this flyer gives a good synopsis of what CTU is fighting for. http://www.ctunet.com/quest-center/rese ... ummary.pdf

elvistheking44

Looks like a good party in a few of these shots....

http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.co ... -pictures/

I have no problem with trying to earn yourself a good and fair contract. However, do it like adults, not like children on the play ground. BOTH SIDES!!!!

inlet13

kelly311 wrote:

Yeah because spending thousands of dollars of your salary each year on basic supplies is funny. I have bought tissues, toilet paper, baby wipes, diapers, winter coats, pens, pencils, markers, soap, paper towels, in addition to learning materials. I don't know of too many other jobs that require you to bring your own supplies...

Since when did Kleenex or any of the items (outside of coats) you mentioned cost $1000? And why on earth are you buying winter coats?

Moreover, I assumed you "had to pay for Kleenex" for yourself - so that's why I thought it was funny. As if you were complaining because you had to buy a box of tissues.

There are lots of jobs where you have to pay for your lunch and other aspects, for example. I know of a number of jobs where you have to bring your own tissues - which is what I thought you meant. As for supplies, I've had to pay for my own markers and erasers. I pay to print out my documents. I get a stipend for gas because I travel to various collegiate institutions, but it typically doesn't cover the bill because their reimbursement rates are decades old and I pay the amount above that. That's life. It's nice to have a job.

cornnifer

inlet13 wrote:

[
A lot of people in the private sector don’t ask for more money if their boss tells them to work overtime. They do it to keep their job. It sucks, but it’s a fact of life – especially in this economy. In fact, a lot of folks in the private sector would gladly take a pay cut if necessary, rather than lose their jobs - if the company needed to cut costs. Like a hurting business, our gov't is broke. Why public employees should be immune to the fact that the government is broke, our economy sucks and our student achievement (their goal) is terrible?
.

Thats why the private sector gets away with robbery. The working class is afraid to stand up for themselves. Employers have them by the metaphorical balls and the above attitude is why it doesn't change. Change will only come through revolution. Most likely violent revolution. There is, i believe, a growing revolutionary class that says "the above may be a fact of YOUR life, but it cannot and will not be a fact of ours any longer".

cincybearcat

ofthegirl99 wrote:

Looks like a good party in a few of these shots....

http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.co ... -pictures/

I have no problem with trying to earn yourself a good and fair contract. However, do it like adults, not like children on the play ground. BOTH SIDES!!!!

Well, at least wear your seat belt...heck, sit down in the back seat.

You know, you really have to thank the local churches for stepping up. I give churches a lot of crap, but that is spectacular.

kelly311

inlet13 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

Yeah because spending thousands of dollars of your salary each year on basic supplies is funny. I have bought tissues, toilet paper, baby wipes, diapers, winter coats, pens, pencils, markers, soap, paper towels, in addition to learning materials. I don't know of too many other jobs that require you to bring your own supplies...

Since when did Kleenex or any of the items (outside of coats) you mentioned cost $1000? And why on earth are you buying winter coats?

Moreover, I assumed you "had to pay for Kleenex" for yourself - so that's why I thought it was funny. As if you were complaining because you had to buy a box of tissues.

There are lots of jobs where you have to pay for your lunch and other aspects, for example. I know of a number of jobs where you have to bring your own tissues - which is what I thought you meant. As for supplies, I've had to pay for my own markers and erasers. I pay to print out my documents. I get a stipend for gas because I travel to various collegiate institutions, but it typically doesn't cover the bill because their reimbursement rates are decades old and I pay the amount above that. That's life. It's nice to have a job.

Teaching materials are not cheap, especially at the pre-k level. Good teachers bring in materials for hands-on, novel lessons in every grade level. I have to supply myself and my entire class with these items and more. I work in high-poverty area, and many of the students do not come to school with proper clothing. Do I have to provide them with coats or shoes? No, but as a decent human being with some means, I cannot see them go without these basic necessities.

I am happy to have a job and want to do it. I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

81

kelly311 wrote:

I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

how does striking help teh student

Jeanwah

81 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

how does striking help teh student

Yeah, I agree. Unions are by far, NOT for the students.

cincybearcat

kelly311 wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

Not true on what point? The CTU stated yesterday that money was not a sticking point...

Just asking, this article makes the strike about $ (not salary, but benefits) and about ensuring they have jobs if schools close. I never saw anywhere about the stuff you wrote about...safe, good learning environments, etc. I was just wondering your thoughts on this article and whether or not it was highlighting the top reasons of the strike as it says it is.

I think benefits has something to do with it, but I don't think that will be too difficult for them to hammer out. Both sides have already made concessions in this area. The job security point is there because CPS is threatening to close 100 schools next year and open charters to replace them. It seems that Rahm is attempting to privatize education. I think this flyer gives a good synopsis of what CTU is fighting for. http://www.ctunet.com/quest-center/rese ... ummary.pdf

Not sure I know enough to comment on this, but I have some issues with 3, 4, 10 and a little of 6.

Is it the schools place to have social workers, psychologists, etc? I don't know. I don't think it is really. Unless you are going to use the funding from the other areas where social work is provided.

I also think that having #9 (partnering with parents) so far down the list shows that the teachers union is not on the right path. Again, my opinion, but should easily be #1 every time education is talked.

cornnifer

inlet13 wrote:

Since when did Kleenex or any of the items (outside of coats) you mentioned cost $1000? And why on earth are you buying winter coats?

Moreover, I assumed you "had to pay for Kleenex" for yourself - so that's why I thought it was funny. As if you were complaining because you had to buy a box of tissues.

.

One box of tissue doesn't cost a 1000 dollars. Do you have any idea how much tissue i've gone through already this school year? I can speak for no one else, but i know kids show up to school where i teach in the middle of winter, sub zero temperature with no coats hats gloves or even socks! Thats why. If its monday they may not have eaten since Friday's school lunch. Someone they know may have been shot over the weekend. Of course its MY fault if they don't pass some fuckin' test.

elvistheking44

kelly311 wrote:

inlet13 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

Yeah because spending thousands of dollars of your salary each year on basic supplies is funny. I have bought tissues, toilet paper, baby wipes, diapers, winter coats, pens, pencils, markers, soap, paper towels, in addition to learning materials. I don't know of too many other jobs that require you to bring your own supplies...

Since when did Kleenex or any of the items (outside of coats) you mentioned cost $1000? And why on earth are you buying winter coats?

Moreover, I assumed you "had to pay for Kleenex" for yourself - so that's why I thought it was funny. As if you were complaining because you had to buy a box of tissues.

There are lots of jobs where you have to pay for your lunch and other aspects, for example. I know of a number of jobs where you have to bring your own tissues - which is what I thought you meant. As for supplies, I've had to pay for my own markers and erasers. I pay to print out my documents. I get a stipend for gas because I travel to various collegiate institutions, but it typically doesn't cover the bill because their reimbursement rates are decades old and I pay the amount above that. That's life. It's nice to have a job.

Teaching materials are not cheap, especially at the pre-k level. Good teachers bring in materials for hands-on, novel lessons in every grade level. I have to supply myself and my entire class with these items and more. I work in high-poverty area, and many of the students do not come to school with proper clothing. Do I have to provide them with coats or shoes? No, but as a decent human being with some means, I cannot see them go without these basic necessities.

I am happy to have a job and want to do it. I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

Kelly311 No disrespect with this comment, but if it really is about the kids........

Come on over to my house and talk to my 6 year old. She looks confused as all hell. She saw the picket line outside her school and I'm pretty sure she's going to be frightened to go back in whenever this is over. She's barely said a word all day. We live 8 houses from our school, it used to be a place she felt comfortable, its our neighborhood park.........She saw her teachers, and the faces she trusts and looks for everyday outside SCREAMING at every car that drove by.....

Is it really for the kids?

carolinabeerguy

My wife and I both teach special education so I know how much goes into it. I teach at the high school level, so I don't have to spend a ton of my own cash. My wife, on the other hand teaches kindergarten, and spends quite a bit of money out of pocket each year for classroom supplies. Any time you walk into an elementary classroom and see all the toys, books, videos, games, decorations, etc., they've typically all been paid for out of the teacher's pocket. Those are things that add up to a lot of money over the years.

To be expected to pay for all the students' supplies on top of that is kind of ridiculous in my opinion. Oh, and I guarantee the reason the previous poster was purchasing winter coats was because a student was coming to school without one and the parents couldn't/wouldn't buy one for the child. Sure, it's not the teacher's responsibility, but sometimes you go above and beyond because you love the kids.

cornnifer

Jeanwah wrote:

81 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

how does striking help teh student

Yeah, I agree. Unions are by far, NOT for the students.

Thats why their called LABOR unions. Don't get me wrong my teacher's union is useless. i'm not even a member.

cincybearcat

kelly311 wrote:

Teaching materials are not cheap, especially at the pre-k level. Good teachers bring in materials for hands-on, novel lessons in every grade level. I have to supply myself and my entire class with these items and more. I work in high-poverty area, and many of the students do not come to school with proper clothing. Do I have to provide them with coats or shoes? No, but as a decent human being with some means, I cannot see them go without these basic necessities.

I am happy to have a job and want to do it. I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

I believe this is very true. However, just know that in every aspect of life, resources are divided and no one gets all the resources they believe they need to do their jobs.

I think for teachers it has gone pretty extreme, however.

kelly311

81 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

how does striking help teh student

Striking is the only way we are going to get the things that the students need. My students, in particular, need their IEPs to be honored, as they are legal documents. Yet CPS continues to violate special education laws regarding least restrictive environment, class size, access to paraprofessional support, and receiving clinical minutes. If teachers complain, they often get nowhere or get fired.

If these types of things are not in a contract, they will not be enforced. I can only speak for myself, but I could care less about benefits, salary bumps, etc.

elvistheking44

kelly311 wrote:

81 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

how does striking help teh student

Striking is the only way we are going to get the things that the students need. My students, in particular, need their IEPs to be honored, as they are legal documents. Yet CPS continues to violate special education laws regarding least restrictive environment, class size, access to paraprofessional support, and receiving clinical minutes. If teachers complain, they often get nowhere or get fired.

If these types of things are not in a contract, they will not be enforced. I can only speak for myself, but I could care less about benefits, salary bumps, etc.

What will my child get from this strike?......

cincybearcat

adam42381 wrote:

Sure, it's not the teacher's responsibility, but sometimes you go above and beyond because you love the kids.

That is true and and noble thing to do. But don't come back and use it as an argument for a higher salary then though....it kinda looks like " Hey look at this nice thing I did, now pay me back!!!!"

kelly311

Kelly311 No disrespect with this comment, but if it really is about the kids........

Come on over to my house and talk to my 6 year old. She looks confused as all hell. She saw the picket line outside her school and I'm pretty sure she's going to be frightened to go back in whenever this is over. She's barely said a word all day. We live 8 houses from our school, it used to be a place she felt comfortable, its our neighborhood park.........She saw her teachers, and the faces she trusts and looks for everyday outside SCREAMING at every car that drove by.....

Is it really for the kids?[/quote]

My school was one of the 144 babysitting schools. All of our staff was nothing but respectful. There was no screaming or yelling. We spoke to people who asked questions and marched around the building.

I can't speak for everyone, but for me, it has absolutely nothing to do with money or benefits.

carolinabeerguy

kelly311 wrote:

81 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

I have no desire to be on strike. While I may not agree with every decision my union makes, ultimately I know I must do what is necessary to ensure that all students succeed.

how does striking help teh student

Striking is the only way we are going to get the things that the students need. My students, in particular, need their IEPs to be honored, as they are legal documents. Yet CPS continues to violate special education laws regarding least restrictive environment, class size, access to paraprofessional support, and receiving clinical minutes. If teachers complain, they often get nowhere or get fired.

If these types of things are not in a contract, they will not be enforced. I can only speak for myself, but I could care less about benefits, salary bumps, etc.

It's ridiculous for any teacher to live in fear of speaking up about IEP law violations. Those are legal documents that are in place to make sure that the special education students receive the services and supports they need. The only reason I really support tenure is because of this issue. Speaking up against things that are being done incorrectly or illegally should never be cause for termination/demotion, but I know it happens quite frequently to teachers who are not yet tenured. That's why I'm keeping my mouth shut for the most part until my tenure begins in 2014.