Today the Chicago teachers’ strike enters its ninth day. For those of you keeping score at home, that’s seven days out of the classroom.
The Chicago Teachers Union’s first strike in 25 years, this battle promised to be epic from the get-go. And it has more than lived up to the hype.
While a strike itself usually implies that both parties don’t see eye to eye on some fundamental issues, this strike has gone from bad to worse. Both sides calling the other a liar; and the school board trying to declare the strike illegal.
It seems to me that both sides have forgotten what their jobs are. Despite the fact that the 350,000 (or so) have been referenced in every other sentence of this debate, they’ve also been left on the sidelines to watch their educators and administrators (not to mention, the mayor) name call and make low blows at eachother.
As both sides reconvene this afternoon, try and keep in mind who you’re actually working for, and what you’re teaching them.
…and to the kids enjoying the nice long vacation; remember how much fun this was when you’re still in class half-way through July.
____________________________________
More on the Story: CNN
…just for fun: