Share This

Unit II Vice President Speaks Out

Hello to Unit II, (Yes that includes you Teachers, TC's, Speech & Language Therapists, OT's, PT's, School Psychologists, Social Workers, School Nurses, Assistive Technology Coordinators, and O&Mers!)


Welcome to the WISD Local 3760 website. As the new Unit II VP, I'm here to help and support our members in whatever way possible. I feel privileged to be a part of a group of professionals that work hard to improve the lives and education of the students to whom they have been entrusted.


 You've heard this many times, but please refer to your contract if you have a question about your working conditions. If you have an issue that is out of compliance with our contract, please contact your Union representative. If you need further assistance please contact me so we can work together constructively to solve the situation.


I want to take just a second to remind you how helpful the AFT website can be to you as a member. There are great articles that touch many aspects of our profession. A few that I have found interesting: charter school pros and cons, class size, graduation rates, school voucher pros and cons and teacher quality. However, one of the most interesting links on the website is a new blog that gives members a voice to make suggestions on how to improve and change the direction of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).


The AFT marked the fourth anniversary of NCLB with the January launch of a new Web site that features information and discussion on this major education law. This new Web site marks the next phase of the union’s “Let’s Get it Right Campaign,” an effort to secure the types of NCLB changes needed to make the law a vehicle for constructive school improvement. The centerpiece of www.letsgetitright.org, which debuted on Jan. 13, is an online journal called a “blog.” The NCLBlog will help promote a candid dialogue about NCLB that extends from the classroom to Capitol Hill. It’s the latest step the AFT is taking to promote informed and articulate voices from the field—the type of input that can help guide Congress to make the changes necessary when the NCLB comes up for reauthorization in 2007.


I'd also like to refer our members to a very good article from the Nov 27, 2006 issue of Newsweek, "What Happens When They Grow Up", which looks at teens and young adults with autism. You can find it at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15792805/site/newsweek/from/ET/ Here's to a productive and successful 2007 school year as we all work toward the common goal of success for ALL students. Kathy Schmidt 994-8100 ext.1527 kschmidt@wash.k12.mi.us