On the strength of the mediation arbitration law and effective collective bargaining by locals and UniServs throughout the state, Wisconsin teacher salaries gained precipitously throughout the 1980s. From 1979–80 to 1991–92, the Wisconsin teachers’ average salary increased from $16,002 to $35,074, a 119 percent increase. Wisconsin teachers went from 20th in the nation in teacher pay to 13th.

"What Has WEAC Done For Children?"
News and Views, February 1978

One of the most noble acts on the part of teachers is that through their organizations they spend $18 million of their hard earned money each year to upgrade the profession and meet the needs of children. That is what makes the United Teaching Profession so unique and attractive.

In answer to the question “What has WEAC done for children?”, I shall not articulate the internal programs of our association. That information is fairly well known. Instead, I will cover some day-to-day activities with which you may not be familiar.

• We were able to guide through the legislature the implementation of a reading program in every school district. This program requires that reading specialists be available to each school district.
  
• We were the moving force behind bilingual/bicultural education in Wisconsin. In concert with the above, we were successful in certifying the teaching of native American languages to Wisconsin tribes who are in danger of losing their culture.
  
• WEAC played a major role in providing adequate funding for children with exceptional educational needs. We are pursuing legislation granting funds for the teaching of gifted children.
• The defeat of the Lucey statewide assessment impacts directly on basic skills, what goes on in the classroom, tests children take, and structure of courses given. The Lucey proposal would have placed language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science under the direct control of the Department of Public Instruction.
• Our ongoing battle to maintain an adequate funding level for education directly affects programs offered to children. No funds? No programs! The defeat of Lucey’s reduction of the cost controls was a major victory.
• The defeat of the “Behavior Modification Bill” was crucial to academic freedom. The bill would have imposed severe restrictions on courses taught if the subject matter in any way affected a child’s behavior.
• We are in support of legislation which requires instruction in the metric system.
• We have been actively involved in Assembly Bill 401 relative to truancy in Wisconsin schools.
• We are seeking legislation that would forbid the DPI from preventing students, 16 years of age or older, from completing their graduation requirements.
• We are in vigorous opposition to a proposal that would eliminate all compulsory school attendance and truancy laws.
  
• We are working for the restoration of free milk for children who cannot afford it. The USDA is proposing that needy children receive only one free carton of milk and no seconds. Think of it—billions for B-1 bombers, but not enough for an extra serving of milk for impoverished children.
• The proposal for equal funding of girl’s athletic programs has just been adopted by the Assembly. We are hopeful for passage by the end of March.
• We are working cooperatively with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards on the matter of discipline in our classrooms. There is a joint committee between WASB and WEAC.

And, this only touches the surface. The struggle to educate the public relative to its schools, its children, and the importance of public education is without end. In concert with this struggle, the Public Relations Committee has created a sophisticated PR program entitled, “Dialogue on Discipline.” The Committee is taking the issue to the public . . . and, that is the only posture to take. We must not be defensive about the problems in Wisconsin education, but must be open and aggressive if we are to overcome the criticisms of the electorate. If one of my children wanted to become a teacher, I would bid her Godspeed as if she was going to war. For, indeed, the war against prejudice, greed, and ignorance is eternal; and those who dedicate themselves to it give their lives no less because they may live to see some fraction of the battle won. That’s what we are all about.