The contract talks with the city have intensified, and now the union has called for picketing and a vote of no confidence for Alonso.
My feelings haven't changed, except that I'm perhaps more frustrated with my union than before, because I think going after Alonso is unfair. I'm happy with what the man has done so far, and attacking this new guy with the credentials who says all the right things and works his butt off seems like a poor political ploy. I will not be signing any vote of no confidence against Dr. Alonso. I would be much more likely to do it for Marietta English, the President of the Union.
To recap:
A. I'm embarassed to be part of a union that fights for 45 minutes of planning time a week, rather than class sizes (one of my classes hit 37 this week, and I've got 170 kids), materials (still no overhead projector, still no textbooks for the kids to take home, still no working printer or computer that I didn't buy myself), or a 12-month contract.
B. I'm frustrated and embarassed by the "work to rule" tactic. It's ineffective and hurts kids.
C. While I'm embarassed by the above, I'm also frustrated with the school board for not giving teachers a contract. The planning time is something I don't particularly care about - we're asked to attend meetings during our planning period fairly often, and it's just a necessary part of the job, and no professional teacher refuses unless it's totally useless - but I do not want this time dictated by North Avenue nor administration. Professional teachers take time to collaborate without it written into the contract. Writing it into the contract and allowing North Avenue to control that time is ridiculous, and I'm glad that the union is standing up against it - I'm just angry beyond belief that this is all they are standing up for.
The union head at school is calling for teachers to wear yellow t-shirts on Friday and to picket in support of getting a contract. If I wasn't having surgery, I'd be doing that, because I do want a contract, and I do think it's important that this issue is publicized. But I'd also be disappointed and embarassed by the details behind it all.
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5 comments:
I'm really happy to read your thoughts on this... I read about the vote of no confidence in The Sun the other day and I was really shocked-- Alonso has had the job for 45 minutes and the Union has no confidence in him? Really? This despite he seems entirely competent and singularly focused on doing the right thing? I understand the teachers union is frustrated over a lack of a contract, but to persecute a capable administrator seems completely infantile.
As a taxpaying citizen of this city, and one who is not a parent but a concerned adult I would rather have 6 more Alonzo's for every teacher who purports to care about kids but offers no credible or competitive educational outcomes to indicate same. The no confidence for me is on teachers and the union not Andres Alonzo.
My district is also in the throes of "no contract!" drama. A lot of the thoughts you have, I have as well. Just know there are other teachers out there who read and understand. Be well.
Anon #1: I blame the school board, not Alonso. It will interesting, however, to hear Alonso continue to defend this tiny contract issue. I like the guy a lot so far.
Anon #2: If we can have six more Alonzo's, can he teach a few of my kids and lower my average class size from 35?
Do you have examples of teachers who are purporting to care for the kids but are not offering competitive educational outcomes for students? Let me assure you that there are hundreds of good teachers in this city who deserve your confidence as much as Alonso and his three months here do. And, again, I like the guy so far - I just can't stand your teacher bashing here.
SIGH...I wonder if the rank and file realize that he may actually be teachers' greatest ally against the worst in and of the school board. I am somewhat disappointed in the way he has said a few things over the past few days, but when I really think on it I am far more disappointed with our union "leadership". I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at this. When I first got here I was struck by the overwhelming animosity and mistrust between the union/teachers and North Avenue, and pondered much on the possibility that this dysfunctional relationship could be a major impediment to fixing things in Baltimore. As someone who was put in a place of authority in order to fix things that had gotten really out of hand, I can empathizewith Dr. Alonso a lot. I hope teachers get a chance to see the flak he is getting from some of the board and wake up to the potential opportunity for us and the kids he represents. Maybe a vote of no confidence in Ms. English would be in order.
As to Anon #2, their opinions are most likely based on utter ignorance of the realities of teaching and the sacrifices many of us have made along the way. Your response to them was more than charitable.
-T.C.
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