Oct 21, 2010

An Open Letter To WTU Members

Dear Washington Teachers' Union Members,

For years, we fought to make sure teacher voices were heard and due process rights were protected. Our actions were required when WTU “Holdover” President George Parker refused to act. Under his leadership, jobs were lost, unfair IMPACT evaluations were created and teachers suffered professional disrespect. Candi Peterson- a WTU Trustee board member and building representative - created theWashingtonteacher.blogspot.com, a reputable DC education online voice for teachers and school personnel in 2008. She has been an intelligent teacher voice and foundation for numerous DC education stories. Nathan Saunders, WTU’s two term General Vice President- spoke expertly as the legitimate opposition voice on education reform efforts which hurt DC students, parents, and teachers. We accurately forecasted teacher/school personnel terminations, oppressive working conditions and performance based mutual consent. We provided facts, analysis, and solutions. We created rallies and demonstrations after Parker “sold out” WTU members. We worked alongside parents to challenge disproportionate school closings in Ward 5 and some of our poorer sections of the city. This current election, which is more than six months overdue, was forced by our court action e.g. Saunders et al. v. WTU. Visualize our mutual progress if you entrust your vote and WTU resources to us!

We do better because we know better. The WTU can be a voice for members and can negotiate a better contract and improve working conditions. Without a change in President, the current state of confusion, failure to hold union meetings, ineffective advocacy, and weakness will continue to endanger your job and positive working conditions that facilitate teaching and learning. With the current union president Parker - you have no voice.

Nathan is the only candidate for union President with world class training in how to be a successful teachers union President. He is a Harvard Law School- Harvard Trade Union Program graduate and earned a Masters degree in Law and Ethics from the National Labor College/University of Baltimore.

If you are wrongfully terminated, it will be too late. Elect a strong President with excellent credentials and experience supported by an effective executive board who support a participative union democracy. Remember, Nathan and Candi have been fighting for you all along! Vote Saunders Slate ! Check out our website @ www.votesaunders2010.com An X mark is all it takes. Place your ballots inside the secret ballot and then send it off in the mailer provided. If you still have not received a ballot call the American Arbitration today @ 800-273-0726.

7 comments:

MPJ said...

You all definitely have my vote and my endorsement.

Candi Peterson said...

The Washington Teacher's Moderated response to What is a teacher to do? (as posted on 10/21/10 below)

Thank you for the inquiry. Rightfully, our number one campaign/platform issue is to Overturn Unfair IMPACT Evaluations because based on our targeted research, this is flawed model which directly related to the senseless loss of jobs and the weakening of job security.

Our team affirms the belief that every child deserves a qualified and competent educator in the classroom, however, we question the unfair use of an evaluative tool which has not been tested for its own reliability or validity. I know we would agree that minimally- a new, man-made evaluation instrument-still "under-construction" and being “tweaked” each observation cycle, should have been piloted before it was used to make critical decisions regarding the continued employability of career and novice professionals.

Employees are not hired by teachers or the teachers union and therefore, we will not take responsibility for the failure of management to screen, interview or critically evaluate their potential hire. We will not take responsibility for management’s inability to provide needed mentoring and support for the novice teacher who, as research suggests, is likely to leave within the first three years of their teaching career. Our administration will take on the responsibility of negotiating and implementing a program which demands the systematic oversight and programmatic implementation by management,
of research-based instruction for teachers to ensure the best possible outcome for children and students once that employee is hired.

Our administration possesses the essential elements to effectuate the change needed for teachers in DCPS, so don’t hold on to your ballot too much longer because in a couple of days, your voice won’t be counted in the change we need. Again, thank you!

Candi Peterson
The Washington Teacher blogger in residence
Candidate for WTU Gen. VP
_______________________________________________
10/21/20 response from What is a teacher to do?

Candi, I am a WTU member. I haven't decided who to vote for yet. I can tell you, though, that there are teachers in my school who I would never let teach, or even babysit my children. I don't want their job security to be strengthened. Job security for all teachers is your number one campaign issue. For that reason, shouldn't I vote for someone else?

Sheila H. Gill said...

Don't be fooled again by "HOLD OVER" WTU President George Parker! It is just WRONG!

Make a real choice for a "STRONG LEADERSHIP TEAM" with transparency, wisdom, experience and accountability.

WTU members will be better off with Nathan and Candi. One check is sufficient for the Nathan Saunders Slate 2010!! Mail your WTU ballot today.

I approve this message and endorse Nathan Saunders and Candi Peterson to represent the WTU Local 6 Organization!

Enough is Enough, GEORGE MUST GO!

Anonymous said...

Candi, what do you plan to do about the probationary teachers that were fired in 2008-2009 without evaluations?

Inner City School Teacher said...

You have my vote, Candi! Ballot went out this past week! :)

Candi Peterson said...

Thanks for your support!

Unknown said...

Please, check this out: American lawyer teaching English in Ukraine beats his former female student on the street, shouting out chauvinistic statements http://nomoretroubles.blogspot.com/
the school defends him
comments are highly appreciated