Teacher's Unions

Opponents of teachers’ unions argue that they take reform power away from administrators and parents as well as drain district resources Advocates of teacher unionization, however, believe empowering educators who are in the classroom strengthens student achievement by allowing for resources to be distributed in a more effective manner and to be used more efficiently. A central purpose of any labor union is to maximize the well-being of its members. In order to accomplish this goal, teachers’ unions often advocate for higher wages, fewer hours and higher benefits for teachers. If these unions are successful in advocating for such changes, then districts might redistribute resources towards teacher pay and away from other areas. The union is necessary as a protection for teachers against the unruly power by administrators. In our school systems, just like in federal governments, we need checks and balances.School reform cannot possibly succeed when teachers, who are on the frontline, are left out of the decision-making process. Administrators cannot improve what happens in the classroom by humiliating and bossing around the teachers who are in daily contact with the children. Only in an environment of mutual respect can administrators and teachers produce the kind of partnership that will benefit students. Administrators must be willing to talk with and listen to the leaders chosen by teachers to represent them.