Facts/UEA Plans
June 14, 1999
"Business as usual as we've known it in this organization is through."
Fighting words from Utah teachers as they condemn the state of our state's
education.
Teachers announced today, they're fed up, and plan to fight. Education
Specialist, Nadine Wimmer, reports.
Phyllis Sorensen, President of the Utah Education Association, says, "U.E.A.
and the 19,000 members plus will not put up with it, and we will fight with
every ounce of energy that we have."
Leaders in the teacher's union are rallying their troops, but they won't
have to try very hard.
After a dismal year for education funding, teachers are already game for a
battle.
Kathleen Leatham, who teaches in the Davis School District, says, "If we
were to factor in our class sizes and our productivity, we're going to be 50th
paid in this country."
The chairs are up, the students are gone for the summer, but many of their
teachers are in training, hoping that next year doesn't turn out like the last.
Communication workshops are just part of the strategy to help teachers
statewide get out their message.
For too many years they say, they've minded their business.
Now, it's time to remind Utahns, education is everyone's business.
"The facts are that Utah is last in the nation in per pupil funding and we have
been there for over a decade."
Teachers' representatives will work through the summer and fall to get parents
and lawmakers on board.
And if they don't feel like it's working, they'll also be the ones to
decide whether to strike.
Right now, that's the last option, but it's obviously on their minds.
Sorensen says, "We've done so much for so little for so long that that's what
people expect. Well, no more."
Teachers will learn about using e-mail, newsletters and school visits to
get more community support.
