[summer]

Speaking as a FL certified teacher -- and, a former union member -- I beieve what this article says is almost exactly what I have been saying here on FR for more than a year now.

The teacher's union in FL is ineffective, and teachers are fed up with this union.

And, the GOP lawmakers HAVE taken teacher considerations into account, and new teachers in FL see little reason to shell out so much money to a union that does so little. (Also, the liability insurance now provided to all public school teachers at no cost to the teachers, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Bush, gives new teachers even less incentive to join a union.) Meanwhile, the union officials making $100K per year are buddies with the school administrators, who likewise make the big bucks.

In short: The vote of FL teachers IS up for grabs. And, that is what I have believed for quite awhile now!

[summer]

FYI.

[LarryLied]

The teacher's union in FL is ineffective

Thank God for small favors. Hope some teachers realize that to obtain the respect as a profession they yearn for, joining a militant left wing union is not the way to go.

[Jonathon Spectre]

"Young people are not as prone to join things," said Florida Education Association president Maureen Dinnen.

How about, "Young people are not as prone to join anti-competitive organizations that resist every effort to certify that their members are competent and capable professionals"? That sounds more appropriate, and truthful. I've known since the first day I decided to become a teacher I'd not join any damned union. I don't require a collective to speak for me and I'm more than willing to let my ability and my merits determine my rewards.

[Redbob]

It's interesting that teachers are finally catching on to the fact that unions are homes to those who individually have no marketable skills of their own, and that capable, intelligent people have no need of a union.

[EdReform]

The NEA is next

Let's Help Nail the Teachers Unions -- It is National FReep Time

NEA plays politics illegally, foe says

Education News Bump

[doug from upland]

Do those in the union know their right to demand an accounting of their dues and a return of that portion used for political purposes?

[Holden Magroin]

I believe Florida has the ideal conservative government, but why haven't Jeb Bush and company enacted a paycheck protection law to require union bosses to obtain written consent from union members before spending their dues on politics? This could help stop McBride.

[1Old Pro]

Hopefully this union decline will spread to other states.

[KC_for_Freedom]

Roughly 6 out of 10 teachers in Florida are union members, and many of the members are nearing retirement. Younger teachers appear to be slower to join.

When I taught I was forced to join the union. If they were for kids instead of themselves, the nation would support them. Its sad when they bring down their profession for the sake of improving their lot when all they have to do is dedicate themselves (en mass) to education and watch the progress they would make.

PS, I know very well that there are many teachers who do their very best to do as I have suggested here, but they must do it together and reject the union and the union message as well.