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| Teach-In at the Thompson Center (M.Klonsky pic) |
It's sad, yet understandable that some Chicago teachers feel the need to prove to the public that they work hard. If any of our local politicians tried teaching in a Chicago school for a week, they might restrain themselves from the rabid teacher bashing that dominates campaign rhetoric these days.
With that said, I have to give credit to the small band of city teachers who engaged in a silent teach-in this afternoon, outside the Thompson Center. The group posted signs that read:
SHHH! Grading and Lesson Planning in Progress and sat in the blazing summer heat for hours, in symbolic protest.
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| Phil Cantor (M.Klonsky pic) |
Phil Cantor, who teaches science and AP psychology at North Grand High School explained the purpose of the Teach-In.
"I'm out here because teachers are being bashed in the media. Everybody should know that teachers work way more than the time they are officially on the clock. The mayor has taken back the raise that was promised us in the last contract, claiming that we don't work long enough hours. Now they're offering elementary school teachers a 2% raise (which is really a 2% cut in pay) to work 26% longer hours. What worker would ever agree to that?"
Simultaneously, there was a rally led by SEIU Local 1 protesting Guardian Security's unfair labor practices. It's hard out here for a worker.
ReplyDeleteSimultaneously, SEIU Local 1 held a rally protesting Guardian Security, which I saw as I stepped off the train and joined in. Once in the circle, I saw three teachers marching and chanting with their brothers and sisters.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard out here for a worker.
Next meeting of SOS/Chicago is 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17th at Hull House.
ReplyDeleteThe next SOS Teach-In is September 15th from 4 to 6 pm at North and Clybourn. You know you'll have tons of papers to grade at that point.
ReplyDelete