WHY WE HAVE A UNION!

Teaching can be an isolating activity. We work hard, by ourselves, in our classroom. It is much too easy to think no one shares our concerns. The same is true between buildings. But don’t despair. There is strength in numbers. When we talk and listen to each other, we can brainstorm solutions. We find comfort and support. We find that we have the power to affect change.

Too often we are asked to write our concerns down or send an email. I say NO. Air your concerns publicly. Find out if many others feel the same way. There is courage in numbers. If we just go it alone, we can easily be cowed into silence. However, when a lot of people speak as one, we will be listened to.

Sometimes, members are asked not to “go to the union”. Preposterous!!

Getting advice and information is always appropriate. If the issue is not covered by the contract, it may not be a union issue, but there is absolutely no harm in checking. Ideally, MIEA tries to give members the tools they need to solve their own problems, but that is not always possible. But above all, ASK, and talk.

MIEA has no authority or official role to play in disputes between members, but we are happy to help problem-solve. You should properly take those issues to your building administrator.

 

Our website!

<www.mercerislandea.org> MIEA has an updated website with a new look and regularly posted updates. Lakeridge teacher Alex Lin-Meyer has agreed to administer the site, where you can find dates of all future meetings, minutes of all past meetings, contact information for officers and executive board members, professional development opportunities, and lots more. Thanks Alex.

 

And don’t forget to join the MIEA facebook page. “Friend me” and I’ll invite you to join. This page is a members-only page so you can get the “real scoop” there, and political messages which cannot be sent via district email.

MISF Phonathon

Thank you to the 25 or so members who volunteered to make calls earlier this week on behalf of the Schools Foundation. My unofficial count makes west Mercer and Island Park the winners. KUDOS!! The foundation is aiming to raise over half a million dollars this fall, and no doubt, a similar amount in the spring at the Breakfast of Champions. We benefit directly from these funds in classroom resources, support for professional development, enrichment grants, and now, because the foundation is now funding teaching positions, in reduced class size.

 

Bargaining the classified RIF process

The issue of adverse affect (RIF) for Classified staff is one of our major concerns in bargaining this year. Related issues will also come up: how the district counts seniority, questions around changes in job descriptions after people shift jobs. These issues affected secretaries and parapros the most last year, so our fact finding will start with them. Lora Hein, Uniserv staff person will be in the buildings in November to hear your stories. YOUR INPUT IN WANTED AND NEEDED. After that, MIEA will convene some brainstorming sessions to determine our interests and possible solutions. This is tricky business. What is good for some members might be bad for others. We are looking for a new process which is good for the whole and which the District can agree too. If you want a voice, take part.

 

Correction:

In the last issue I urged elementary teachers not to attend any meeting of Principals’ Cabinet. The message created a small firestorm since PTAs in all three buildings had already agreed to dedicate funds to pay for the stipends. Thanks to the PTA the stipends are restored and staff can continue to perform the crucial function of advising principals. Please accept my apologies for any confusion which may have resulted.

 

 

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