State of the unions: Let public school teachers decide if they want representation, or not

If I’ve learned anything from the three generations of public school teachers in my family, it’s that they have strong opinions about education policy — and that they entered teaching to promote student, not personal, enrichment. While teachers might disagree about education policy and about policymakers telling them how to do their jobs, most teachers are in the classroom because they care about helping all students live up to their potential.

An important case is looming in Washington, D.C., that might actually allow teachers to exercise their First Amendment rights and decide for themselves whether or not to join a union.

The case will come before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, and its outcome is likely to be debated for years to come in teachers’ lounges throughout the country. Friedrichs vs. California Teachers Association will decide whether teachers in 25 states, including Minnesota, have the option of not supporting a union as a condition of employment.

http://www.startribune.com/state-of-the-unions-let-public-school-teachers-decide-if-they-want-representation-or-not/364582951/