The District 11 School board heard early this week from a teacher trapped by the Colorado Springs Education Association. Mary Woldruff, a special education teacher at Sabin Middle School, wants out of the association because the $60 monthly fee seems like money wasted. But she can’t get out, because she missed the relatively short window last fall for opting out of a union that opts teachers in, by default, if they don’t jump through hoops. Those who fail to opt out in time must apply to a veritable star chamber, comprised entirely of union members, that’s inclined to say no.
Forcing payment from a teacher who no longer wants to be a member is no way to treat a professional. For decades, teachers have demanded to be taken seriously and have sought to be treated as professionals. Instead of giving them the respect they deserve, CSEA's policy has repaid teachers for their hard work by forcing them to pay dues against their will. One should question any organization which claims to advocate for the rights of members but instead seeks to prevent teachers from exercising their right to not associate. Perhaps the protection teachers like Mary Woldruff need most is protection from their local union.
During the meeting earlier this week, School District. 11 Board member John Gudvagen, not only marginalized her comments, stating that they were inaccurate, but stated that Mary was not following appropriate steps to address her problem.
This watcher calls on District 11 and union officials to end this arcane and abusive system that exploits teachers — some of the most giving and upstanding citizens of our community. Seldom have modern teachers unions shown concern for teachers or students. Making it difficult for educators to avoid this fee — giving them a one-time opt-out opportunity each year — doesn’t benefit teachers.
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