News Release

New Report is a Diversion from Real Issues

Leader of 2.7 million-member National Education Association comments on new report by The New Teacher Project

Below is a statement from National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver on the report titled, “Unintended Consequences: The Case for Reforming the Staffing Rules in Urban Teachers Union Contracts,” which was released today by The New Teacher Project.

“Today’s report by The New Teacher Project diverts attention away from our collective responsibility to make sure no children are left behind.  It is just another smokescreen to blame so-called ‘union rules’ for our society’s lack of commitment to all children.  

“The real issue is that the American public wants to create environments in all schools that are conducive to good teaching and learning.  We must have good teachers in order to help students achieve.  To recruit and retain talented teachers for the long-haul and stem the high rate of teacher turnover, we have to pay them what they’re worth.  Anything less is a band-aid for major surgery—useless and not acceptable.

“Moreover, the report’s language of ‘union rules’ to describe a contract is wholly inaccurate.  A contract is an agreement between parties, mutually agreed to, and includes the school district.  To classify it as including ‘union rules’ implies that the union unilaterally makes these decisions.  There is no place in America that the union has this kind of authority.  Where contracts exist, they exist by mutual agreement.  Where bargaining does not exist, the district has the authority.  Although there may be ‘school district rules,’ there are never ‘union rules’ without mutual agreement.

“Every day, the 2.7 million members of NEA are advocating for the ingredients known to improve student achievement such as greater parental involvement, smaller class sizes, a qualified teacher in every classroom, up-to-date textbooks, adequate and equitable funding, technology and safe and orderly schools.  And our locals are asking to expand the scope of bargaining to be able to engage with the districts to discuss the important matters of teaching and learning conditions so as to positively impact the conditions for all students.”
 
 
Nov. 17, 2005

CONTACT:
Staci Maiers   (202) 822-7150, smaiers@nea.org

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.