Expert: James J. Kovalcin - 4/29/2008

Question
For my education class I have to explore the views about a teachers involvement in a teacher’s union or any other professional organization. What benefits do teachers obtain from involvement in their membership? What disadvantages exist in holding membership in such an organization? Be sure to include teacher’s name, school, and grade level taught. Thank you so much! This would be very helpful  

Answer
Without a teacher's union all school districts have the power to treat you capriciously! A supervisor doesn't like you? You are in big trouble. Ultimately, with union representation salaries are higher, working conditions are more secure, fringe benefits a superior, etc. If you doubt this, compare these same factors with teachers in private schools where such union representation is rare.
What are the disadvantages? Representative organizations, by their very nature, are compelled to represent the average and may not always meet the needs of every member of the organization perfectly.
[Sorry, but I would NEVER supply such personal information!]