Should Teacher Be Allowed to Strike? Support or Oppose?

A hot topic over the past week has been the Chicago teachers on strike. I have seen several comments and conversations about how teachers should not strike. Some comments even stated the teachers are all about the money and not the kids.

I have known several teachers from South Suburban schools and Chicago Public Schools and its not only about the money. The majority of these teachers truly care about their students and their classroom. Many students have safer refuge when they are in the classrooms than they do at home or neighborhoods.

Legislation has been proposed in many cases to evaluate teachers and their students progress. I heard one parent make comments that these teachers are making good money and get paid during the summer break. Many don't realize the majority of teachers arrive in school early or while at home are planning their next day teaching schedule.

Teachers have become Mom and Dad in their classrooms. In order to teach in a classroom, a teacher must first have control of their classroom. But when little Jon and Sally are having episodes in the classroom, the teacher has to resolve the issue first. I always say teachers are dealing with 20 to 30 different personalities and attitudes.

Teachers are facing a few basic problems in classrooms today. How many of these children are faced with physical, mental and sexual abuse in their homes? How many are dealing with their parents involved with domestic violence or alcohol and drug problems? If any child is having issues with some of these cases, they will have a hard time learning. Yet many schools are getting less funding to hire counselors and social workers, so now the classroom teacher is both the counselor and the social Worker.

Imagine what happens when a child tells the teacher, "I was abused last night at home." Teachers are mandated reporters and notification has to be made. I balk at the situation in Chicago with the Chicago Teachers Strike when we hear about they are taking this out on the kids! Is it fair to the children or teachers when their classrooms are packed with 35 to 40 students? Add a few more hours on to the school day just for starters.

Some parents are not involved with their childrens' education, let alone teaching their children to respect others. I have found that this Chicago Teachers Strike has shed some light on issues most average citizens may not understand.

When the administration starts trying to appear media-friendly and the protector of taxpayer money, yet turns on their teachers as the culprits, well let's just say that will not go over very well.

I remember growing up and standing on the picket lines with my dad who retired from the Ford Motor Co. Plant in Chicago Heights. Dad would have us standing out near lit garbage cans to keep warm and feed us coffee and donuts. I remember hearing the workers talk and remember asking my dad why are we out here. He explained "to get more money and better working conditions."

I would like to see the days of the school bake sales and car washes to actually  help raise funds for the respective schools. There are parents who complain but yet don't show up and speak with the teacher during teacher/parent conference (which shows the child, you don't care so why should they?).

In summary, this is the same as the teachers strike in Chicago who desire better working conditions in their classrooms, and to honor prior contract agreements for the most part. I am sure Mayor Rahm is wishing he stayed in Washington D.C. to avoid this type of headache, especially since there are no more Chicago landmarks to put up for sale.

I only worry that somewhere down the line, money will be found in Springfield and Washington D.C. to help fund the issues of the Chicago teachers. The one reason I say to worry is because this state has a problem of taking from the Suburbs and downstate of Chicago.

I am very disturbed when "some" elected officials and administrators will talk about the kids when the heat is on, yet want to put the blame on others and won't protect their teachers. I also blame parents who are not accountable for their children and legislators who will not "find" money on assisting these children who are having a hard time in school, but will pay to expand and build more correctional facilities and close mental health buidlings.

What would you like to see in your school districts that will help our communities and children? Make sure the teacher has an email address to reach you about your childs progress in school.

I only make the statement to assist these children because many of their parents may not have the education skills to help their children. There are many issues on the plate and they need to be ironed out, NOT DURING RE-ELECTION PERIOD BUT NOW!!!!