Prep Time For Teachers Is Bill Focus
A proposal that would make teacher preparation time a mandatory subject of collective bargaining has been introduced in the State Senate.
SENATE BILL 243 addresses one of the items on WEAC’s Legislative Agenda, changing the way teacher preparation time is handled in school districts throughout the state.
Currently, teacher preparation time is a permissive subject of bargaining because the Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that preparation time is primarily related to board policy rather than wages, hours and conditions of employment. The Municipal Employment Relations Act provides that only matters affecting wages, hours and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.
“Our great schools depend on the effectiveness of our teachers. Prepared teachers are effective teachers,” WEAC President Stan Johnson said. “Making teacher preparation time a mandatory subject of collective bargaining gives teachers an opportunity to negotiate for time built into the scheduled workday to make them most successful in the classroom.”
It is WEAC’s position that making teacher preparation time a mandatory subject of collective bargaining gives teachers an opportunity to negotiate for time built into the scheduled work day to make them most effective in the classroom. Research shows that teacher planning makes a significant difference in student learning.
The bill would promote teachers’ ability to ensure adequate preparation time. Teachers, particularly those who teach elementary school students, lack adequate time in the school day to prepare lesson plans and other duties important to effective teaching.
Teacher preparation time is further eroded because of staff cuts and increased work load due to revenue caps. Teachers are required to serve in multiple capacities to meet the educational needs of children. As a result teachers have little or no time during the day to prepare for classroom instruction.
These factors directly impact the work hours of teachers, who must spend time outside the academic day preparing lessons – time that is not compensated. This is in addition to the hours teachers volunteer for school-related activities including small group tutoring and after-school clubs, as well as other activities communities have come to expect.
The bill was introduced by Senators Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), John Lehman (D-Racine), David Hansen ( D-Green Bay), Mark Miller (D-Monona) and Fred Risser (D-Madison).
The bill was cosponsored by Representatives Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls), Terece Berceau (D-Madison), Josh Zepnick (D-Milwaukee), David Travis (D-Waunakee), Frank Boyle (D-Superior), Mark Pocan (D-Madison), Michael Sheridan (D-Janesville), James Soletski (D-Green Bay), Sondy Pope-Roberts(D-Middleton), Andy Jorgensen (D-Fort Atkinson), Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore), Robert Turner (D-Racine), Barbara Toles (D-Milwaukee), and Thomas Nelson (D-Kaukauna).
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs.
Posted July 26, 2007