Chicago Public School Teachers on Strike...

carolinabeerguy

cincybearcat wrote:

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!!!!"

Good point. I think she was just saying that she does what is expected and much more. I don't think she was asking to be reimbursed for the cost of the coats.

elvistheking44

kelly311 wrote:

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?

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.[/quote]

No one had a noisemaker, or a megaphone or signs that said "honk for teachers", you all marched in silence?

We are talking about young children here, this strike is very confusing and very disturbing for them and its not necessary.

kelly311

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.[/quote]

No one had a noisemaker, or a megaphone or signs that said "honk for teachers", you all marched in silence?

We are talking about young children here, this strike is very confusing and very disturbing for them and its not necessary.[/quote]

No noisemakers, megaphones, yelling...just waving to cars and pedestrians.

Not necessary? I respect your opinion, but disagree. I'm not really sure why any student would be disturbed by this. I have heard many parents explaining the situation to their children. As a teacher, it is not my place to do so.

Jeanwah

adam42381 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

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.

While this is the right thing to do, I've talked to many parents where school districts don't know the IEP laws and have set limits for students and parents, wrongfully so. It truly is up to parents to do their homework about IEP laws because it is not first and foremost on the minds of teachers. No disrespect or anything, but us parents are the number one advocates for our kids, and expecting the teachers to have the students' backs isn't really all that realistic. I just find it really depressing that as a society, we let money issues get in the way of educating our kids. And that's really what this strike is about.

elvistheking44

No noisemakers, megaphones, yelling...just waving to cars and pedestrians.

Not necessary? I respect your opinion, but disagree. I'm not really sure why any student would be disturbed by this. I have heard many parents explaining the situation to their children. As a teacher, it is not my place to do so.[/quote]

Not sure why this would be disturbing? Seriously?

You and my child just had 3 months off. Back to school for 4 days and then off again with no return planned. I can't even tell my daughter when school is going to be back on. Her teachers are outside all wearing T-shirts that were obviously made weeks ago. I would hope to god, that a qualified CPS teacher would fully understand why this may be disturbing to a 6 year old. You may think the parents are all on your side, but please use some sense, your CTU argument is losing on my street very, VERY rapidly.

inlet13

kelly311 wrote:

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.

How exactly is going on strike making sure that all students succeed?


Kinda doesn't add up.

elvistheking44

inlet13 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

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.

How exactly is going on strike making sure that all students succeed?


Kinda doesn't add up.

Yes please do tell. Make me a list of what you get and what my daughter gets out of this strike please.

cornnifer

cincybearcat wrote:

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!!!!"

This b.s. pisses me off. Sorry, but it does. So teachers are supposed to sacrifice everything and live the life of a buddhist monk? I have a family also. Yes, i'm in it for the kids, but i can't afford to work for free. Honestly, i buy little more than i have to. i refuse to largely because of attitudes like above. For some reason i'm just expected to and i better not whine about my pitiful salary.

elvistheking44

NOT DISTURBING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A GREAT PLACE RIGHT HERE FOR A CHILD!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.suntimes.com/15054852-761/vi ... hools.html

inlet13

cornnifer wrote:

Of course its MY fault if they don't pass some fuckin' test.

If that kid doesn't pass a test - it's their fault. If the class at large isn't learning anything - it's your fault. Your being paid to do "something". Every single job gets monitored for performance. Teachers should too, particularly when our tax money is being used to pay them $70K+ (before benefits) on average with 2 months vacation.

Public school teachers shouldn't be making more than college professors. That's about it.

cincybearcat

cornnifer wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

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!!!!"

This b.s. pisses me off. Sorry, but it does. So teachers are supposed to sacrifice everything and live the life of a buddhist monk? I have a family also. Yes, i'm in it for the kids, but i can't afford to work for free. Honestly, i buy little more than i have to. i refuse to largely because of attitudes like above. For some reason i'm just expected to and i better not whine about my pitiful salary.

I think you misunderstood what I said. And I don't think you read any of my other comments regarding teaching supplies.

kelly311

ofthegirl99 wrote:

No noisemakers, megaphones, yelling...just waving to cars and pedestrians.

Not necessary? I respect your opinion, but disagree. I'm not really sure why any student would be disturbed by this. I have heard many parents explaining the situation to their children. As a teacher, it is not my place to do so.

Not sure why this would be disturbing? Seriously?

You and my child just had 3 months off. Back to school for 4 days and then off again with no return planned. I can't even tell my daughter when school is going to be back on. Her teachers are outside all wearing T-shirts that were obviously made weeks ago. I would hope to god, that a qualified CPS teacher would fully understand why this may be disturbing to a 6 year old. You may think the parents are all on your side, but please use some sense, your CTU argument is losing on my street very, VERY rapidly.[/quote]

I am not your child's teacher. It is not my responsibility, nor do I have the right to speak to your child about this situation. That is your job. I do not appreciate the insinuation that I am not intelligent enough to understand you. I have been respectful of you, however I have had different experiences, and thus have a different opinion. I have not had the past 3 months off, as you stated, nor am I naive enough to think that all parrents and community members support the teachers. I am simply stating what I personally hope for this all to accomplish (as quickly as possible).

cornnifer

inlet13 wrote:

cornnifer wrote:

Of course its MY fault if they don't pass some fuckin' test.

If that kid doesn't pass a test - it's their fault. If the class at large isn't learning anything - it's your fault. Your being paid to do "something". Every single job gets monitored for performance. Teachers should too, particularly when our tax money is being used to pay them $70K+ (before benefits) on average with 2 months vacation.

Public school teachers shouldn't be making more than college professors. That's about it.

i don't make anywhere near 70,000. i know several college professors and they all make FAR more than i do. How do you suggest my performance is "monitored"? Test Scores? In comparison to what? The school across town? Nonsense.

elvistheking44

kelly311 wrote:

ofthegirl99 wrote:

No noisemakers, megaphones, yelling...just waving to cars and pedestrians.

Not necessary? I respect your opinion, but disagree. I'm not really sure why any student would be disturbed by this. I have heard many parents explaining the situation to their children. As a teacher, it is not my place to do so.

Not sure why this would be disturbing? Seriously?

You and my child just had 3 months off. Back to school for 4 days and then off again with no return planned. I can't even tell my daughter when school is going to be back on. Her teachers are outside all wearing T-shirts that were obviously made weeks ago. I would hope to god, that a qualified CPS teacher would fully understand why this may be disturbing to a 6 year old. You may think the parents are all on your side, but please use some sense, your CTU argument is losing on my street very, VERY rapidly.

I am not your child's teacher. It is not my responsibility, nor do I have the right to speak to your child about this situation. That is your job. I do not appreciate the insinuation that I am not intelligent enough to understand you. I have been respectful of you, however I have had different experiences, and thus have a different opinion. I have not had the past 3 months off, as you stated, nor am I naive enough to think that all parrents and community members support the teachers. I am simply stating what I personally hope for this all to accomplish (as quickly as possible).[/quote]

OK. I wont discuss how this strike is disturbing to my daughter. You and every other teacher on the news or in the media is stating you are doing this for the children. Yet I've asked you in 3 separate post now, what my daughter will benefit from on this strike. Please, in all seriousness, what will the children, my daughter gain from this strike?

kelly311

Jeanwah wrote:

adam42381 wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

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.

While this is the right thing to do, I've talked to many parents where school districts don't know the IEP laws and have set limits for students and parents, wrongfully so. It truly is up to parents to do their homework about IEP laws because it is not first and foremost on the minds of teachers. No disrespect or anything, but us parents are the number one advocates for our kids, and expecting the teachers to have the students' backs isn't really all that realistic. I just find it really depressing that as a society, we let money issues get in the way of educating our kids. And that's really what this strike is about.

Oh believe me, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I can't tell you how many parents I've told that too (that they are their child's best advocate). Unfortunately, many parents are unwilling or unable to advocate. I have gone as far as to give parents specific directions on what to do, but if there is no follow through, there is little I can do. I have nothing but respect for parents who do their research and fight for what their child needs.

kelly311

I am not your child's teacher. It is not my responsibility, nor do I have the right to speak to your child about this situation. That is your job. I do not appreciate the insinuation that I am not intelligent enough to understand you. I have been respectful of you, however I have had different experiences, and thus have a different opinion. I have not had the past 3 months off, as you stated, nor am I naive enough to think that all parrents and community members support the teachers. I am simply stating what I personally hope for this all to accomplish (as quickly as possible).[/quote]

OK. I wont discuss how this strike is disturbing to my daughter. You and every other teacher on the news or in the media is stating you are doing this for the children. Yet I've asked you in 3 separate post now, what my daughter will benefit from on this strike. Please, in all seriousness, what will the children, my daughter gain from this strike?[/quote]

Since the contract has not been finalized, I cannot answer that question with exact terms. However, some of the things that are on the table for all students, not just your daughter.

- lower class sizes
-teachers and text books in the classroom on day one (seriously this is an issue in some schools)
-more money for classroom supplies
- Better Access to supplementary services, such as social work, counselors, speech, occupational, and physical therapies.
-More arts and enrichment activities (art, library, gym, music)
-Safe buildings
-Recess and a proper lunch period

Now these may not pertain to you. You may live in a more affluent area that already receives many of these things. However, in many areas of the city, students go without these things.

cincybearcat

kelly311 wrote:

-Recess and a proper lunch period

What does this mean?

It seems you are saying they do not have recess. Is that correct?

And for lunch, what is a "proper lunch period"?

Indifference

Thought this was an interesting stat:

Out of every new dollar set aside for public education in Illinois in the last five years, a full 71 cents has gone to teacher retirement costs.

inlet13

cornnifer wrote:

inlet13 wrote:

cornnifer wrote:

Of course its MY fault if they don't pass some fuckin' test.

If that kid doesn't pass a test - it's their fault. If the class at large isn't learning anything - it's your fault. Your being paid to do "something". Every single job gets monitored for performance. Teachers should too, particularly when our tax money is being used to pay them $70K+ (before benefits) on average with 2 months vacation.

Public school teachers shouldn't be making more than college professors. That's about it.

i don't make anywhere near 70,000. i know several college professors and they all make FAR more than i do. How do you suggest my performance is "monitored"? Test Scores? In comparison to what? The school across town? Nonsense.

College professor pay depends on the school. But, yes there are many that make below $60K, some even below $50K.

Well since you keep bringing it up, how much do you make?

Nonsense to be monitored? This attitude is exactly what's wrong here. The "give me more money, with no accountability and no fears of being let-go" mantra... during a fucking economic disaster that's being compounded by government debt... and oh- you're a government employee on the government payroll who wants more money, contributing to more gov't debt.

Yet, the rational of why the general public finds these things frustrating is confusing to teachers and their unions.

kelly311

cincybearcat wrote:

kelly311 wrote:

-Recess and a proper lunch period

What does this mean?

It seems you are saying they do not have recess. Is that correct?

And for lunch, what is a "proper lunch period"?

Most CPS schools have not had recess until this year and only 20 minutes to get and eat their lunch due to an old contract. They now have 45 minutes for lunch and recess daily. I think this is great for teachers and students, even if it doesn't directly impact me.