Whatever happened to putting the needs and interests of students first?
That must be what taxpayers are wondering as they watch the Mansfield (Mass.) Education Association invoke a “job action” which instructs teachers and other union members to pack up and stiff-arm students after the school day is contractually over.
The teachers union is willing to diminish the students’ overall educational experience, simply because it has not received a new contract to its liking.
Since the “job action” was invoked nearly a week ago, at least one eighth-grade student has been hurried out the classroom at the end of the day, so the teacher could leave on time. It has also affected after-school student clubs, leaving them without advisors.
That type of behavior mirrors the unprofessional antics of teachers at nearby King Philip Regional School, who recently refused to write college letters of recommendation for students or participate in one-on-one independent study courses.
While Mansfield teachers are working without a contract, they are still operating under the terms of their recently-expired contract. That means the terms of employment they found agreeable last year are still in place. Teachers are still getting an automatic annual salary increase and the still receive the same generous health insurance and pension benefits as before.
Life goes on without discomfort for the teachers. So why are they so determined to make life more difficult for innocent students?
The MEA’s behavior is even more perplexing, considering the words of its national union president, Dennis Van Roekel. In guest editorial published by USA Today last week, he argued that teachers ought to be respected as true professionals.
Would true professionals use children as pawns in labor negotiations? Wouldn’t the education of children be their highest priority?
Doctors are considered professionals. Can you picture a doctor refusing treatment to a sick or wounded child because he is not happy with his income?
Mansfield teachers owe students their best effort every single day. Mansfield students have the right to the best education possible.
Adults should not use children as pawns during labor negotiations. The MEA should quickly reconsider its “job action” decision. Otherwise citizens have every right to question the professionalism of school employees.
