Teachers' Union chapters need to be more actively democratic and responsive to its members needs. It is important to achieve this by creating sub-committees that would address areas of interest to members andget many members involved. Each sub-committee would be comprised of teacher and para-professional volunteers and facilitated by an elected committee member. Sub-committee membership is the vehicle for any interested teacher or para-professional who would like to become moreactive in social or political issues affecting the teachers' union chapter,improve the flow of information to members, and make improvements to work
environment.
MENU OF UNION ACTIVITIES Listed below is each objective and a proposal for sub-committees that would be created to realize that objective. Maybe you have an idea for another sub-committee? Remember, the form and direction of each sub-committeetakes shape through you.
OBJECTIVE -ACTIVITY “To cooperate to the fullest extent with the labor movement
and to work for a progressive labor philosophy to awaken in
all members a labor consciousness and sense of solidarity
with labor.”
1. Union Solidarity Committee: Discuss labor issues with
possible petition drives. Update and advise colleagues on
contract issues. Contact and keep up with labor issues in
other schools in the area and worldwide..
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“To protect the schools against unsoundeconomy and against efforts at domination by political, economic, religious, or military group.”
2. Sweat-free School Committee: Help your school join the
movement against sweatshops by identifying violators and
using union-made items at school.
3. Tolerance Committee: Discuss and recommend ways for
helping students get along better and helping teachers
understand cultural diversity. Work with clubs and the
student organization to promote cross-cultural sensitivity.
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“To promote education as a social agency for developing
the capacities of the young, for enlightened adults, and for
working toward a society motivated by the ideal of service and democratic participation.”
4. Teachers’ Resource Committee: Organize and expand
the teachers’ library resources such as videos, text,
classroom activity manuals, and member services brochures.
This includes the maintenance of office equipment, such as
the copy machine, computer, printer, and television.
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“To make members aware of their political responsibilities.”
5. Bulletin Committee: Update, decorate, and maintain the
union message boards. Monitor and maintain our list-serve.
Consider creating a chapter newsletter.
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“To advance the economic and professional interests of
members.”
6. Financial Advisory Committee: Act as an adviser to both
new and old colleagues with their financial questions on 401K, tax deferred annuity, DA, pension, and payroll.
7. In-Service Training Committee: Act as an advisor assisting
colleagues on licensing requirements, degree fulfillment, as
well as available classes for professional development, and
credits toward salary steps. Have information on sabbaticals.
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“To establish the active participation of education employees
in the formulation of educational policies.”
8. Education Committee: Discuss trends in education,
standardized testing, and effective teaching methodologies.
Create and develop a bank of useful teaching methodologies,
materials and plans. Assist colleagues
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“To work for democratic administration and supervision.”
9. Union-Administration Consultation Committee: Form an
agenda from sub-committee suggestions and prepare for
consultation meetings with the principal as required of elected Committee members. Report to the rank and file.
10. School General Assembly Committee: Attend, present our
petitions, and report on G.A. Required of Committee Delegates.
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“To protect members whenever necessary.”
11. Safety Committee: Advise colleagues on strategies for
classroom management and violence prevention. Instruct on
the procedures established for dealing with disruptive students.
12. New Teacher Support Group: Help new teachers maneuver in your school and give advise on clerical matters. how to survive anobservation, and how to file grievance reports. Review mentoring candidates and help with selection.
13. Health Committee: Advise on insurance plans and make
available listings of doctors, dentists, and labs. Make available
information of stress management. Work toward making your
school a safer school. Meet with cafeteria personnel to discuss and develop healthier lunch menus.
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I believe each sub-committee can work toward creating a new
union environment in our schools, one of action, inclusion, and service. Each person can contribute to their area of expertise. Inthese days of union entrenchment, we must be more active to protect the gains you have made and make sure we’re fairlyrepresented.
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