I'm sure that Randi Weingarten agrees with the blogger's observations about the abuse of due process,( timeliness, use of "witnesses," investigative protocols, the petty vindictiveness of some principals, the hostile actions against some whistleblowers, the lack of proportion and consistency of "punishment," the bullying of the DOE, the waste of resources ( financial and inellectual) and the "systemic failure" of the DOE in regard to the rubber rooms. I know that there is serious, ongoing, multi-fronted action by the UFT to bust the rubber rooms as they now exist. Unfortunately the union does not control the government and legal system just as it doesn't control the media. It sounds condescending to use that tired phrase about "sharing your pain," but the truth is that there is far more widespread and deep empathy felt by the union for its members in the rubber rooms than some people realize.
I'm not sure she'd agree with the blogger's assertion that both she and Klein are responsible for the mess.
Honestly, I'd like to believe in Ms. Weingarten. I saw her speak once and was impressed by her intelligence and quickness--clearly she was the smartest person in the room.
Unfortunately, many of the problems we have now, specifically the ATR mess, were entirely predictable results of mayoral control, the 2005 contract, and the UFT's support of the 3rd reorganization.
A good negotiator looks ahead, as Joel Klein did. And say what you will, but I'd much rather see the UFT get the better of him.
Kranzbuhler:
Do you really believe that the union is trying to solve the "rubber room" issue? I believe 757 teachers in the "rubber rooms" would disagree with you on that. The Weingarten gang talks a good game (we share your pain) but when it comes to action, it's not happening. Remember, it was the UFT who changed the 3020-a process which made it easier for the DOE to get a monetary penalty from the arbitrators.
I don't know if you are just naive or a "Unity" activist. Either way until the UFT's "talk but no action" platform stops, the DOE will continue to disrespect the teachers.
nyc educator:
I agree with you. However, while Randi talks a good game. That's all it is talk.
Commenting by HaloScan
