Growing up in a very conservative area, I have unfortunately heard my fair share of people in my community lamenting about labor unions. Interestingly enough, however, one group of workers that the community does not resent as much for organizing (emphasis on the as much… because there definitely still is resentment…) is public school teachers. Perhaps that is because people are not as likely to demonize their own friends and family for fighting for better wages, benefits, and working conditions compared to strangers they hear about in the news. Whatever the reason, unions such National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates like the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) are important to many families and the education system at large because they support public school teachers by supporting medical and retirement benefits, more time off, and strong protections, amongst other things.
The right to collectively bargain was first granted to PA teachers when the state legislature passed Act 195 in 1970. This milestone in the history of organized labor in Pennsylvania was achieved thanks to the efforts of many educators throughout the 1960s who supported such legislation, and has ensured that countless educators are treated fairly in the workplace. This right to unionize has been vital in my hometown, with teachers even going on strike in 1987 to protest for better wages and benefits.
As someone who has many family members and family friends that work in public education (my Grandma, my Grandpa, and 3 of my uncles have all worked as high school teachers! And I actually was in my one uncle’s AP Euro class!), I have seen the ways in which the union protects teachers that allows them to do their job to the best of their abilities. For example, the union is able to protect teachers who receive backlash for teaching topics that are not supported by some minority groups in my area. Such protections ensure that teachers can educate students using up-to-date and inclusive information/resources without having to fear losing their jobs. This has allowed the social studies teachers in my life to teach students about important, but difficult, topics without having to worry about being reprimanded for doing so. This results in students being better informed and therefore, better citizens.
Public school teachers are invaluable in our society; they act as mentors to and inspire students, serving as role models for many, they encourage critical thinking skills and pass on knowledge to kids, and they shape the future by teaching kids the life-skills they need to have meaningful and impactful lives. What is more, the public school teachers in my life are some of the hardest-working individuals I have ever met. It is clear that teachers play a crucial role in our world, which is why it is crucial to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive proper wages and benefits.
Read in-depth about the history of the PSEA here.
I almost talked about this topic for my blog this week as well! I also have had some experience of seeing teachers in this aspect, not family but teachers who I was close with during my senior year of high school as they were entering a new contract period. Unions are so important especially for teachers who often have low wages in the first place. Super cool you were in your Uncle’s class!!
This was very interesting to read and learn about! I remember last year, teachers at the public school near me were unionizing, but I didn’t really understand how it worked or what exactly that does, so this was really nice to connect it back to that, and just have it for future knowledge.