Teachers- have you ever gone on strike?

[quesyrah]

Can you give me any idea of what to expect? Will they bring in a long term sub, etc?

I've been assuming all year that our principal/district/whoever has a plan for a possible strike but now I'm not so confident.

[lexus]

I have no idea what happens. I'm sorry that you don't have more info. Do you know the name of the teacher's union for your district? Our union website is open to the public and if yours is I bet you could find some info there.

[quesyrah]

They had been updating their Facebook page but they stopped after the last meeting.

Yesterday the teachers all had signs in their car windows that say "Not on strike- yet."

Our school has said not one single word about the negotiations. I'm on the PTA and our teacher member has told us bits and pieces as well as a friend of mine who teachers at our sister school. Plus the FB page.

Also, our district is being a total asshole

[lexus]

Jan 14, 2016 11:51:32 GMT -5 quesyrah said:

They had been updating their Facebook page but they stopped after the last meeting.

Yesterday the teachers all had signs in their car windows that say "Not on strike- yet."

Our school has said not one single word about the negotiations. I'm on the PTA and our teacher member has told us bits and pieces as well as a friend of mine who teachers at our sister school. Plus the FB page.

Also, our district is being a total asshole

That sounds so frustrating! I'm sure they are just holding out hope that it doesn't come to that. I'm pretty sure that they try to get subs for anyone who actually goes on strike. But if they don't have a big enough sub pool they will probably cancel classes since the state has strict laws in class size.

[quesyrah]

Unfortunately I have zero faith that our district won't let it go to strike. It sucks because if the teachers just give in to avoid a strike then the bullies win.

[lala]

What is the school board saying? Is there a district Facebook page - official or unofficial?

We've not had a strike here, but unusually when I hear about one there is no school. I don't see how they'd find enough subs?

What are the issues?

[mamaalysson]

Our district has not striked, but it has come down to the wire. They will bring in subs, but it will not be the cream of the crop. Though the unions are different, many subs are former or hoping-to-be teachers, and will not cross the picket line. They face repercussions from the district for not subbing if called up during a strike, but not showing support for friends and colleagues could be more damaging. And even with all subs on board, there are likely not enough to cover all classes in the district, so expect some shuffling within the school - grades grouped together, etc. All in all, it's a mess, and I guarantee you, no one loves the idea. Hopefully a last minute resolution will be found.

[quesyrah]

Jan 14, 2016 12:10:11 GMT -5 lala said:

What is the school board saying? Is there a district Facebook page - official or unofficial?

We've not had a strike here, but unusually when I hear about one there is no school. I don't see how they'd find enough subs?

What are the issues?

I think it's an unofficial FB page (likely monitored by a teacher). It's called friends of ____.

They've resolved all but two issues- pay and healthcare. Although there is some speculation that the pay issue is being exaggerated and blown out of proportion to make the district look bad (and based on public salary info I might believe that).

I want to add that while I think what the teachers are saying about their pay is exaggerated, the district is being total dicks about the pay/healthcare issue

[lala]

I just know I get the most info from the unofficial district pages that are parent run. The inside scoop with a side of gossip & overreaction.

Ugh, I hope they settle it soon, I'm sure everyone wants that.

[quesyrah]

Jan 14, 2016 12:20:59 GMT -5 lala said:

I just know I get the most info from the unofficial district pages that are parent run. The inside scoop with a side of gossip & overreaction.

Ugh, I hope they settle it soon, I'm sure everyone wants that.

Yes. A side of gossip & overreaction, sigh.

I just want someone official from my school to make a statement that makes me feel like they're prepared. I realize my principal has no control over any of it but I would still like to hear something from her

[lovebeingmama]

None of the districts near me that have been on strike have had subs. Kids just don't go to school. Maybe they do try to call in subs, but like PP said, no one dares cross the picket line.

[lala]

My guess is they can only say so much legally? I am surprised that neither the superintendent or the school board would be putting out occasional statements just to keep the fires at bay. Even though they wouldn't have details, just an acknowledgment.

[mamaalysson]

I also find it surprising that no one is saying anything. We were certainly extremely limited on what we could say publicly, but the district had a plan in place, and we (teachers) and administrators were encouraging to share that with families. No one wants a strike, but it one is looming there should be at least a tenuous plan in place.

[quesyrah]

Jan 14, 2016 13:02:18 GMT -5 mamaalysson said:

I also find it surprising that no one is saying anything. We were certainly extremely limited on what we could say publicly, but the district had a plan in place, and we (teachers) and administrators were encouraging to share that with families. No one wants a strike, but it one is looming there should be at least a tenuous plan in place.

This makes me wonder if whoever is running the FB page is really exaggerating the situation? Maybe they really aren't on the verge of strike. I do know that the teachers are "working to contract" or whatever it's called. That's why we don't have an email address for the teacher. If we need to speak privately we have to make an appt during school hours and the assistant or whoever, takes over the class while the teacher meets with the parent.

I don't know though, those "not on strike yet" signs are kinda worrisome. But maybe they're just being dramatic?

[lexus]

Jan 14, 2016 13:49:22 GMT -5 quesyrah said:

Jan 14, 2016 13:02:18 GMT -5 mamaalysson said:

I also find it surprising that no one is saying anything. We were certainly extremely limited on what we could say publicly, but the district had a plan in place, and we (teachers) and administrators were encouraging to share that with families. No one wants a strike, but it one is looming there should be at least a tenuous plan in place.

This makes me wonder if whoever is running the FB page is really exaggerating the situation? Maybe they really aren't on the verge of strike. I do know that the teachers are "working to contract" or whatever it's called. That's why we don't have an email address for the teacher. If we need to speak privately we have to make an appt during school hours and the assistant or whoever, takes over the class while the teacher meets with the parent.

I don't know though, those "not on strike yet" signs are kinda worrisome. But maybe they're just being dramatic?

That's so illegal. There should be a credentialed teacher in the room with students at all times.

[lexus]

Also I don't understand what working without a contract has to do with not having an email address. I've never heard anything like that.

[thecheshirekat]

Jan 14, 2016 18:09:32 GMT -5 lexus said:

Also I don't understand what working without a contract has to do with not having an email address. I've never heard anything like that.

I think it means that you aren't supposed to do anything above and beyond what your contract requires, so nothing after school, nothing at home, etc., and having parents contact you via email would violate that.  

We never went on strike when I was teaching, but I was in elementary school when the big LAUSD strike happened and there was a minimal number of subs in the classrooms and no work was getting done at all.  Most kids didn't go to school - my brother and I only went a couple days because my mom had something else she needed to do and couldn't take us, I think - and they had grouped a lot of different classes together.  

Most of the time they'll do anything they can to avoid a strike, so hopefully something will work itself out in your district soon. 

[auroraloo]

Jan 14, 2016 18:08:22 GMT -5 lexus said:

Jan 14, 2016 13:49:22 GMT -5 quesyrah said:

This makes me wonder if whoever is running the FB page is really exaggerating the situation? Maybe they really aren't on the verge of strike. I do know that the teachers are "working to contract" or whatever it's called. That's why we don't have an email address for the teacher. If we need to speak privately we have to make an appt during school hours and the assistant or whoever, takes over the class while the teacher meets with the parent.

I don't know though, those "not on strike yet" signs are kinda worrisome. But maybe they're just being dramatic?

That's so illegal. There should be a credentialed teacher in the room with students at all times.

Not true. The teacher has to be in the building and adequate supervision has to be provided if the teacher is out of the room. 

[lexus]

Jan 14, 2016 18:37:16 GMT -5 auroraloo said:

Jan 14, 2016 18:08:22 GMT -5 lexus said:

That's so illegal. There should be a credentialed teacher in the room with students at all times.

Not true. The teacher has to be in the building and adequate supervision has to be provided if the teacher is out of the room. 

CA Ed code requires that there be a credentialed teacher in the room at all times. This is why a credentialed master teacher is supposed to remain in the room * even when a student teacher is in the room* and why security and other classified staff are not allowed to cover classes for a teacher. I will find the specific code if you like.

[lala]

Well that particular policy sounds very challenging.

[quesyrah]

To be fair I'm not sure if the person in the room is a credentialed teacher or not. I know there are 2 aides who float through the 4 K rooms throughout the day.

[quesyrah]

Jan 14, 2016 18:37:12 GMT -5 thecheshirekat said:

Jan 14, 2016 18:09:32 GMT -5 lexus said:

Also I don't understand what working without a contract has to do with not having an email address. I've never heard anything like that.

I think it means that you aren't supposed to do anything above and beyond what your contract requires, so nothing after school, nothing at home, etc., and having parents contact you via email would violate that.  

We never went on strike when I was teaching, but I was in elementary school when the big LAUSD strike happened and there was a minimal number of subs in the classrooms and no work was getting done at all.  Most kids didn't go to school - my brother and I only went a couple days because my mom had something else she needed to do and couldn't take us, I think - and they had grouped a lot of different classes together.  

Most of the time they'll do anything they can to avoid a strike, so hopefully something will work itself out in your district soon. 

Yes, I think they didn't give out contact info other than the method I described because they aren't going to answer emails outside of their contract hours and it's likely impossible to do it during those hours because they have the kids.

[quesyrah]

Okay I just asked DS who is in the room when his teachers is in meetings (because he always tells me when she is out of the room) and he said a guest teacher. I asked if he meant Miss B or Miss S and he said no.

So maybe it's a sub? Or a teacher from anther class?

[thecheshirekat]

Jan 14, 2016 19:09:57 GMT -5 quesyrah said:

Okay I just asked DS who is in the room when his teachers is in meetings (because he always tells me when she is out of the room) and he said a guest teacher. I asked if he meant Miss B or Miss S and he said no.

So maybe it's a sub? Or a teacher from anther class?

They probably get another teacher or an administrator to cover the class during a conference. Or some schools have a floating sub on staff that they can pull in for stuff like that.

[rosesandpetals]

Jan 14, 2016 18:42:35 GMT -5 lexus said:

Jan 14, 2016 18:37:16 GMT -5 auroraloo said:

Not true. The teacher has to be in the building and adequate supervision has to be provided if the teacher is out of the room. 

CA Ed code requires that there be a credentialed teacher in the room at all times. This is why a credentialed master teacher is supposed to remain in the room * even when a student teacher is in the room* and why security and other classified staff are not allowed to cover classes for a teacher. I will find the specific code if you like.

one of the office staff at my school is a licensed sub. She never actually subs but she can watch classes if needed for a bit.

Eta sub licenses are super easy to get in my state

[auroraloo]

Jan 14, 2016 18:50:12 GMT -5 lala said:

Well that particular policy sounds very challenging.

right? no peeing for the teacher. No hallway discipline actions, all discipline must take place in the room in front of everyone. 

Is ed code the same as law? 

[lexus]

Jan 14, 2016 19:55:41 GMT -5 auroraloo said:

Jan 14, 2016 18:50:12 GMT -5 lala said:

Well that particular policy sounds very challenging.

right? no peeing for the teacher. No hallway discipline actions, all discipline must take place in the room in front of everyone. 

Is ed code the same as law? 

Well I'm a high school teacher so there is passing period to take a bathroom break. And yes, I step outside the door (where I can still see and hear the students) to discipline students or discuss private matters with them. And yes, Ed code is law.

[auroraloo]

Jan 14, 2016 20:09:26 GMT -5 lexus said:

Jan 14, 2016 19:55:41 GMT -5 auroraloo said:

right? no peeing for the teacher. No hallway discipline actions, all discipline must take place in the room in front of everyone. 

Is ed code the same as law? 

Well I'm a high school teacher so there is passing period to take a bathroom break. And yes, I step outside the door (where I can still see and hear the students) to discipline students or discuss private matters with them. And yes, Ed code is law.

Elem. teachers don't have passing times. As a MS teacher, our passing time is 4 minutes, and that's if you run out at the bell and cruise. 

My favorite class of my day is my 3rd hour because I have a para and I get to pee because I can leave her in the room! 

[Kcthepouchh8r]

Jan 14, 2016 13:49:22 GMT -5 quesyrah said:

Jan 14, 2016 13:02:18 GMT -5 mamaalysson said:

I also find it surprising that no one is saying anything. We were certainly extremely limited on what we could say publicly, but the district had a plan in place, and we (teachers) and administrators were encouraging to share that with families. No one wants a strike, but it one is looming there should be at least a tenuous plan in place.

This makes me wonder if whoever is running the FB page is really exaggerating the situation? Maybe they really aren't on the verge of strike. I do know that the teachers are "working to contract" or whatever it's called. That's why we don't have an email address for the teacher. If we need to speak privately we have to make an appt during school hours and the assistant or whoever, takes over the class while the teacher meets with the parent.

I don't know though, those "not on strike yet" signs are kinda worrisome. But maybe they're just being dramatic?

That's odd. Our teachers are working to contract so they weren't there at open house. My kids teacher is still available via email. I'm the room parent and volunteer so I do talk to her quite a bit but she has responded to other parents who had questions and concerns.

They are threatening to strike too. The thought is very stressful.