The teachers in our school district are serious about striking and both sides have published their final offers. Now, if the school district does not cave they will strike in 2 weeks (it would start Dec 3). They agree on a lot, but pay and benefits seem to be the points of contention (aren't they always?).
If your teachers have held a strike, how did it go? How long were they out? What did your kids do in the meantime? We'll be doing school work at home, but I'm curious about others experiences.
Thanks!
The teachers in my children's schools have not went on strike. But feel it is only a mater of time... 30 40 grand a year! How do they live off of that? They should be payed a much larger amount for all they do... Just saying... if that where to happen I would get a tutor for my kids... Good luck... ").
When I was in HS, teachers were not allowed to strike during school hours, but they worked core hours and that was it. I forget what they called it. No afterschool coaching or tutoring. No field trips. They would grade during their lunch or planning period but not at home. They refused to attend any meetings on days when the kids had the day off. They were not available before the first bell rang, etc. So they made a point, without being out of the classroom.
It is a "joke" (though not really funny) that it takes 3 salaries in some fields to have a home here - talking EMTs, teachers, firefighters, police...
I have not been through this, but I would be completely pissed if this were to happen.
The people most hurt by the strike would be the kids and that isn't fair. I would also be horribly pissed because it would cost me significant out of pocket money to send my kids to a daycare all day long rather than just after school. I could not quit my job to entertain stuff like this.
I completely agree that teachers have some legitimate gripes. I totally agree that they do not get paid enough. However, teachers have NEVER gotten paid enough...you kinda have to weigh the payscale when you decide to become a teacher. What I really think the teachers should be absolutely furious about is the benefits cuts. With the lack of raises in my area and the increase in health care costs, they are essentially taking a pay cut. That isn't fair to them since they agreed to a lower pay rate in order to get the good benefits.
However, punishing the kids is NOT the answer. I consider teachers to be essential just like doctors, police, and firefighters. I would consider a strike to be completely unprofessional by any of these groups.
You should rally all the parents and community members you can and get down to the next school board meeting to tell them how much you value the teacher's in your town, and that by not paying them what they deserve costs everyone more, now and in the long run!
When I was in high school (LA, Ca) the teachers did strike. They still expected us to go to school only to sit in the auditorium. My mom let me stay home, I can't remember how long it was though. Not to long, but long enough to be fun.
Didn't Illinois just have a strike?
To those of you that think teachers are way underpaid-well not in little Lomira Wisconsin-which is hardly a big city. Wi has a website where you can look at what they make and most are around 70-100k with benefits. I feel no pity for them.
I would think each state would have a similar website and I think most of you would be surprised at what they are actually making.
Everyone faces raises in health insurance rates and the majority of us still have to save for retirement too. And who doesn't want/need more money? And how about all those days off and half days and summer break.
I have no problems with teachers making good money for good teaching but the benefits have got to be modified to reflect real life. I also think there are a lot of older teachers out there who are sick of it but have to stick with it until they get their retirement-which sucks for the new teachers who can't get in and would have a fresh perspective.
Several of the districts in our area (far west Chicago burbs) have gone on strike or come close. Contracts in our district are up next year. Most of the strikes have only lasted a couple of days and several were resolved right before the deadline.
In Illinois the Unions always win. At least it's close to Christmas Break.
Our little district went on strike after about 18 months of negotiating. The teachers were only out 1 day! I guess the board had to see the teachers meant business! The local YMCA offered affordable day camps for strike days if needed.
We have never had a strike here, but can't or won't the school hire non union teachers to teach in the meanwhile? Does it have to meant no school? I know it would still be harmful, but I would imagine getting back on track would be difficult.
