Watch the recording of the ASHA and NEA virtual town hall "Partnering with Teacher Unions to Improve Working Conditions for Schools" and view the slides [PDF]
A teacher union is a special type of labor union designed to represent the interests and rights of educators. The goal of a teacher union is to secure benefits such as wages, work rules and job protection. They also shape the way education works for themselves and their students.
Speech-language pathologists may choose to join their local teacher union.
Benefits include advocacy for improved pay and benefits, representation in contract negotiations and advocacy for optimal working conditions and student learning environments.
In states where teacher unions exist, most are affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), or the National Education Association (NEA).
Before engaging with teacher unions, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the words and phrases commonly used in the bargaining agreement process and contracts. Here is a resource that provides union terms to know.
To benefit from the union, and negotiate change, it is important to become involved. Once you are involved, the following steps are helpful to enhance your understanding of how the union works.
ASHA’s Working for Change: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Working in Schools [PDF] offers guidance for working with unions.
See how a member worked with her colleagues and union to achieve a reduced caseload size in her district in this Success Story: Advocating With a School Union.
Know your best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BANTA). What is the best you can hope to achieve, if you can't negotiate an agreement?
Invite your union/association representative or staff members to provide support, data, or substantiation.
Go into a meeting with a clear description of the problem and how it affects student progress or staff productivity.
Be prepared to discuss problems openly — conflicts or anxieties should be acknowledged and discussed frankly. In fact, if any tension arises, be sure to face it calmly and honestly and do not to take it personally.
Separate the people from the problem. Recognize that people's egos become entangled with their stances/positions. Work side by side with the participants and attack the problem, not each other.
Listen to the other parties' demands and then focus on what you think the other parties' interests and needs really are. Also, be clear about what your own interests and needs are and be persistent in pursuing them.
Actively listen to ensure that what you are saying is what you mean and what is being heard is what is intended.
Be sure to provide several solutions for each concern with a clear rationale for how each could be accomplished. Don't be afraid to provide opinions on which solutions you feel would be most desirable to yourself or to your staff.
Use objective standards to determine specific outcomes.
Make sure that you or another participant takes notes that can be used for reference or back-up once a decision goes into effect. Be sure that all interested parties get a copy of those minutes, including the administrator.
Focus on solutions that are most conducive to student achievement and growth.
Examples of Bargaining Agreement Language for SLPs
ASHA Comparison Data and Advocacy Resources
Caseload and Workload: Tools and Support
ASHA Publications
Organizations