New York Teacher
‘Town hall’ meetings wrap up
Feb 17, 2005 1:00 AM
Randi Weingarten meets members at Town Hall Meeting
UFT members got another chance to speak out at the Manhattan “town hall” meeting, the last stop in the union’s well-attended series of meetings held in each of the boroughs last month. UFT President Randi Weingarten charted UFT efforts “for a mobilization effort the likes of which we have never tried before” to reach parents, community leaders and politicians as the contract impasse proceedings continue. She asked members for their “ideas, suggestions and comments” for actions that individual schools, districts and regions might engage in to hammer home the union’s message. “It matters to people when they hear about overcrowded and underfunded schools and underpaid teachers,” Christopher Balchin of Norman Thomas HS said. “I’m glad to see more fire in the union. Teachers are tired of being abused. We can’t teach with these minute-by-minute guidelines. We’re being killed.” Annie Bishop of PS 152 wryly poked fun at micromanagement and noted, “The paperwork is exponentially frightening. Where have all the tree people gone? Stay union, stay proud.” Nia Mason of PS 163 pointed out, “When teacher morale is in trouble it has to affect kids.” left: Weingarten urges members to get involved in “pop-up” actions in the months ahead. above left: Balchin wins a round of applause for his statement.
