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The figures are startling. Nearly one-fourth of all new teachers leave the classroom in the first three years and nearly 10% leave in the first year. Often, according to WEAC staff member Nancy Clark, the problem is the new teachers lack a support system. They don’t know where to turn, and they are unaware of the help their union can provide. It is for that reason that WEAC has developed the SPRING program to help new members adjust to the profession and help local associations build positive relationships with new members.
“The vast majority of our leaders are veteran education employees,” said Clark, who is SPRING coordinator. “Many worked hard to establish contracts, collective bargaining rights and secure health benefits. Our new members come into an association in which these hard-fought gains already are in place and do not have this experience with the association. New members need to given opportunities to become acquainted with their local and its history, other members, association services and advocacy, and ways to become actively involved.”
SPRING is an acronym that reflects the project’s goals:
As project coordinator, Clark assists local associations in meeting these
goals. She may be contacted at 1-800-362-8034, ext. 274, or by e-mail
at: clarkn@weac.org.
Updated October 2, 2007