Found out last night that teachers in the Springdale School District, which in every category, have the highest salaries in Arkansas, are not represented by a collective bargaining union. Makes one wonder about the bang-for-the-buck value of Little Rock Education Association dues for Little Rock School District teachers mired at 78th, 6th, 11th, 43rd, 8th and 10th in respective categories.
Just this morning (3.3.11), in its Students First editorial, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette wrote:
"...good teachers should be paid not just a living wage, but a substantial one - one that befits the dignity, importance and indispensable nature of their calling as the transmitter of the culture."
I couldn't agree more, but the operative phrase is "good teachers." When any special interest gets in the way of what's best for students, it should be opposed, even at the risk of being demonized as "union bashing."
The Little Rock Education Association opposes merit pay, longer school days, and extended school years, while supporting tenure, seniority and a lay-off policy of "last in, first out." With such non-competitive salaries, I would argue its focus should be, not on policy, but on the wages and benefits of its professionals. No less, no more.
Based on January 2010 numbers, 1,426 teachers (67%) were members of the Little Rock Education Association, while 796 (33%) were not. That means, a swing of just 316 teachers are determining how the Little Rock School District teaching profession will be represented.
Read it and weep:
The Little Rock Education Association opposes merit pay, longer school days, and extended school years, while supporting tenure, seniority and a lay-off policy of "last in, first out." With such non-competitive salaries, I would argue its focus should be, not on policy, but on the wages and benefits of its professionals. No less, no more.
Based on January 2010 numbers, 1,426 teachers (67%) were members of the Little Rock Education Association, while 796 (33%) were not. That means, a swing of just 316 teachers are determining how the Little Rock School District teaching profession will be represented.
Read it and weep:
Little Rock
BA: 0 Years - 78th - $32,793
BA: 15 Years - 6th - $49,189
BA: Top of Schedule - 11th - $54,991
MA: 0 Years - 43rd - $37,743
MA: 15 Years - 8th - $54,139
MA: Top of Schedule - 10th - $63,883
Springdale
BA: 0 Years - 1st - $43,220
BA: 15 Years - 1st - $53,565
BA: Top of Schedule - 1st - $65,096
MA: 0 Years - 1st - $45,744
MA: 15 Years - 1st - $56,295
MA: Top of Schedule - 1st - $71,720
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