Take Action Now to Save Public Education

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1. Linda says:

   September 1, 2012 at 10:46 am

   Yes, I just re-read. Thanks for posting. I am sending to all.

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2. Kathleen Heaphy Triana says:

   September 1, 2012 at 11:24 am

   It is time for the AFT and NEA to go on a media blitz to correct the misinformation being promulgated by the media and politicians on both sides of the aisle. These lies are demoralizing to all teachers. American schools are not failing. Students who enter classrooms well-fed and supported by caring families are doing great. Impoverished children struggle. I fail to see how privatizing our schools will eliminate the main impediment to educational success: poverty. I think that is pretty obvious to all who read this blog. I want my union to get the word out to those who don’t. Start buying full page ads in major publications. Buy national air time to spread the word. Educate the public! After all, we are EDUCATORS!

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3. debmeier says:

   September 1, 2012 at 1:14 pm

   Hurrah – that is critical–and they might start by working to educate other public employee union members. Thanks–how do we nudge them?

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   • Confused says:

     September 1, 2012 at 8:42 pm

     I sent a letter saying if they want my dues they better start doing something or there wont be any members left to pay dues.

     Reply
4. Kathleen Heaphy Triana says:

   September 1, 2012 at 1:52 pm

   I posted on the AFT Facebook page, but maybe we need to start making phone calls to our union leaders. I also agree that we need to include other public employee union members. I don’t think we can count on our political representatives to support us. I think our associations need to appeal to the public directly, and in a BIG way. I feel very supported by the parents of the students in my school. They know that their children’s teachers work hard. I’m fortunate in that I work in a suburban community that values education and has the means to support it. I think that there many citizens who aren’t directly involved in the schools are too easily swayed by what they are hearing from politicians and the media. It seems every news segment and newspaper article about education begins with the premise that our American schools are failing. An investment in setting the record straight is critical at this time.

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5. kuhiokane says:

   September 1, 2012 at 2:48 pm

   We need strong voices for all public school classroom teachers, support staff. The dilemma facing teachers is mighty: speak out and lose your job. Don’t speak out and you lose your job anyway. Don’t speak out and the privatization forces will further destroy the learning processes students need. This is a great letter, Diane. It summarizes what’s happening and lends some mighty steps all can take to push back. At the end of her life, Flannery O’Connor published a collection of short stories entitled, “Everything that Rises Must Converge.” Taken from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, saving public schools must include the same evolutionary principles. You have touched on some good ones. Our evolution must be quick. Rise up, rise up strong and high, and our power will converge. Our push back would be transcendent, unstoppable.

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6. readingexchange says:

   September 1, 2012 at 3:33 pm

   Each of us can do something from Diane’s very clear and specific suggestions.
   While possibly benefiting students, taking some action temporarily reduces stress.

   Reply