Labor History: Taking a Look Back to Advance the Movement
Everything I learned, I learned from Mother Jones. Mary Harris Jones was a school teacher, but more importantly she was a labor organizer and a fighter. In 1902 she was coined, “the most dangerous...
View ArticleFrom Chicago to Madison: Unions Protect All Our Students
I didn’t know what to expect as I headed out to the Labor Temple last Wednesday to hear Becca Kelly, a member of the Chicago Teacher Union (CTU) speak. I knew that a strike seemed imminent. In an...
View ArticleMTI Stands with CTU
The ride to Chicago, Illinois on August 29th was filled with anticipation; we were on the road to attend the Chicago Teachers Union’s (CTU) Solidarity Campaign Town Hall. Rush hour traffic made for...
View ArticleUncharted Territory for MMSD
“The kids are delighted to be back at school,” James Howard said as he addressed the Board and numerous spectators at tonight’s Board of Education Workshop. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement,...
View ArticleMerit Pay Undermines Public Education
The first week of school has just concluded, and my new principal has held true to his word by spending time out in the classrooms. After school on Friday, a coworker came up to me to let me know that...
View ArticleThe People United for CTU
On September 14th, 2012, I gave the following speech at a rally for the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The Chicago teachers boldly went on strike to fight for a fair...
View ArticleWhat I Learned from Today’s Loss (or Win?)
As I made my way north to the Big Eau Pleine Park Trail Run, I had a lot on my mind. I had just come from delivering a speech at the CTU rally and the news that Act 10 was ruled unconstitutional was...
View ArticleWrite the BOE and Ask Them to Collectively Bargain
TJ Mertz did a wonderful write-up in AMPS, so there is no reason for me to redo his work. Please read his post and write the Madison Board of Education at board@madison.k12.wi.us to ask them to engage...
View ArticleSEAs Open the Doorway to Learning
My sixth grade students leaned forward as I read to them, almost as though they would better be able to capture the words in the book. We were reading “Out of My Mind,” by Sharon Draper. This book is...
View ArticleEmerging as a Candidate (and hoping for your support)
Please see the bottom of this blog for directions on how to donate to my tuition. On Christmas day, I anxiously retrieved the envelope waiting for me in my mailbox. My hands trembled with excitement as...
View ArticleMy New Year’s Wish, a school for every child and a community for every school
Snow Day Photo: Courtesy of Kati Walsh My first snow day of the season began with a phone call just before midnight. Having an adult-child in the house frequently means answering the phone in my sleep....
View ArticleHalf the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
By Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn As we mark the 40 year anniversary of Roe versus Wade, I am reminded of how easy it is to become hyper-focused on our own slice of the globe. Yet, while turning...
View ArticleVouchers Threaten our Schools, our Community
Photo Courtesy of Erin Proctor, Special Education Assistant, Madison Teachers, Inc. On February 11th, 2011, teachers across this state received startling news. The Wisconsin State Journal headline on...
View ArticleAwake, Engaged, Inspired
Photo Courtesy of Erin Proctor, Special Education Assistant and member of Madison Teachers, Inc. For the first ten years of my teaching career, I thought teaching and voting were enough. I was doing...
View ArticleTwo Dimes, a Rural Route, and Postal Alchemy
Me, as a child, at Grandma’s farm. My son, Cody, continuing the tradition at Grandma’s farm. I can’t ruminate on the United States Postal Service (USPS) without also conjuring up happy childhood...
View ArticleExperience, Collaboration, and Advocacy: Vote Dean Loumos on April 2nd
Dean Loumos, an advocate for our public schools Dean Loumos is the best candidate for Madison School Board Seat 3. This is a unique time for our schools. Budget cuts over the past 20 years continue to...
View ArticleUpham Woods puts Learning where your Heart is
The Upham Woods sign, always a welcome sight. Ask a former Sennett Student what their most memorable experience was in middle school and they will undoubtedly give you two words – Upham Woods. Their...
View ArticleBudgeting Away our Tomorrow
A sea of MTI red in the Assembly parlor. (photo courtesy of Rebecca Kemble) The last locker has been cleaned out, the last grade entered into the computer, and teachers have locked their classroom...
View ArticleTeach-in Rally: The Future of Education in Wisconsin
Yesterday, as the Senators were inside the Capitol debating the budget, public education supporters stood in solidarity outside our State Capitol and hosted a teach-in. Speaking on behalf of Public...
View ArticleUnion Women Step Up with a Boost from Emerge
Union Women from the Emerge Graduating Class of 2013. From left to right: Julie Jansch (AFSCME Council 40), Pat McPartland (WEAC, retired), Karen Vieth (MTI), Julie Allen (AFSCME Council 40), Catherine...
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