MPS teachers present proposals to improve teaching and learning

2/17/2009 1:39:13 PM

From the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association

Milwaukee – Contract negotiations for the 2009-2011 teacher contract have begun between the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association (MTEA) and the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. Teams representing each organization exchanged initial proposals today, February 17, 2009.

After an extensive series of listening sessions and a survey, the teacher bargaining team is presenting a package of proposals that contain what teachers say they need to be more effective in improving student achievement. 

While a competitive salary and benefits package is needed to attract and retain the best teachers for students who need them most, changes in working conditions are also essential to teacher and student success.

To improve teaching and learning in MPS, teachers are proposing:

• Class size maximums to enable age-appropriate instruction and individual attention
• Safe conditions for all students and staff
• Planning time for all elementary teachers
• Administrative support, especially with students who continually disrupt classes.

“The working conditions of the teachers are the learning conditions of the students,” says Dennis Oulahan, MTEA President. “Our team hopes the School Board will listen to MPS educators and consider the critical reforms that our school communities need.”

These and other conditions are summarized in the attached teacher proposals. The information will also be available online at mtea.org by the end of business on February 17.

The MTEA is a labor union representing more than 8,000 teachers and other education professionals employed by Milwaukee Public Schools. The union’s mission is to improve the lives of our members and the students and families we serve.