Several years ago, during a Town Hall hosted by my elected official, my colleague and I were called “union trolls.” My professional association, the Prince William Education Association, of which I am currently Vice President, has been called “union thugs.” What an interesting term for a group of people who advocate for the best interests of children.
The Virginia Education Association (VEA) advocates for children, as well as all school employees: teachers, counselors, secretaries, nurses, bus drivers, specialists, custodians, food service employees and administrators. VEA is the first defense when misguided and misinformed legislators attempt to pass legislation that hurts public education. VEA fights for all students in the Commonwealth of Virginia, especially those children who have no voice.
What does PWEA do for kids? For the past two years, PWEA has launched two separate campaigns: CLASS SIZE MATTERS and CHATS FOR CHILDREN. Research clearly shows that children in large class sizes have trouble learning. PWEA tirelessly lobbied the school division, the School Board and the Board of County Supervisors for a reduction in class sizes. A small step in class size reduction began with the hiring of one 6th grade teacher at every middle school. What’s the best way to begin change? Talking about the issues! Hundreds of educators, community members, and parents have started the dialogue: class size, adequate funding, SOL testing and many more issues that impact children & education. These are just two examples of the hundreds of things PWEA does for kids.
What does PWEA do for educators? PWEA fiercely advocates for its members. Any school division employee can join PWEA; it’s not just for teachers. PWEA members sit on school division committees, thus our input is asked for and respected. These committees include: Benefits, PPP, TIPA, Investments, and School Calendar. Over the past six years, PWEA has offered 15 professional development workshops about the PPP (Professional Performance Process). Our goal was to inform our members about the changes in the evaluation system. Professional development opportunities are available for all members. Three years ago, PWEA launched the Education 411 Symposium, a full day of professional development available to all members. Many misinformed people – the media, bloggers, legislators – feel that PWEA/VEA/NEA protects “bad teachers.” Under the 14th Amendment, citizens have due process rights. PWEA protects educators’ due process rights. It is true that “bad teachers” should not be teaching. However, they also have rights that MUST be respected. Administrators must follow the procedures to remove them from the classroom. Many entities try to stifle and oppress PWEA from advocating for its members. I want the public to know that PWEA will not be stifled; we will not be oppressed. We will continue to fight for all educators and all children of Prince William County.
Put Kids First Rally Saturday, April 18, the Virginia Education Association, partnering with the Virginia PTA, held a rally in Richmond. We DEMANDED that our elected officials PUT KIDS FIRST. This was an historic day, as over 2,000 educators, parents, students and community members across Virginia put their foot down and said, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” The time of inadequate funding and putting children last will end. What an honor to be part of this movement of people fighting Are doctors and lawyers, who belong to their professional association, called union thugs? Are professional athletes, who belong to their professional association, called union thugs? NO! So why are educators, who belong to their professional association, called union thugs? Educators are molding the most important creatures in this world – OUR CHILDREN!
The Live & Learn Column is an opinion piece that represents the views of the author.
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