Monday, April 23, 2012

Why do teachers bargain?

Teachers are not fighting for higher pay, we are fighting for creating the conditions for best professional practice. These include:
  • Class size and composition
  • Hours of instruction and other assigned duties
  • Inclusion requirements
  • Pay
  • Benefits
  • Leaves
  • Professional Development
  • Hiring and Tenure
Our fighting is not about working less but instead we are asking for more control around our hours of work.  When teachers come to the table asking for anything, we are simply asking for the best conditions that will ensure the best quality of practice, that will ultimately allow for teachers to use their skills to the best of their ability to the children in the seats in front of them. 

The simple truth is the working conditions of the teachers is the exact same as the learning conditions of the students.

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