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Two Dimes, a Rural Route, and Postal Alchemy
Me, as a child, at Grandma’s farm. My son, Cody, continuing the tradition at Grandma’s farm. I can’t ruminate on the United States Postal Service (USPS) without also conjuring up happy childhood...
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Budgeting Away our Tomorrow
A sea of MTI red in the Assembly parlor. (photo courtesy of Rebecca Kemble) The last locker has been cleaned out, the last grade entered into the computer, and teachers have locked their classroom...
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Teach-in Rally: The Future of Education in Wisconsin
Yesterday, as the Senators were inside the Capitol debating the budget, public education supporters stood in solidarity outside our State Capitol and hosted a teach-in. Speaking on behalf of Public...
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Union Women Step Up with a Boost from Emerge
Union Women from the Emerge Graduating Class of 2013. From left to right: Julie Jansch (AFSCME Council 40), Pat McPartland (WEAC, retired), Karen Vieth (MTI), Julie Allen (AFSCME Council 40), Catherine...
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Speak Out, No Permit Required
Today marks the last day of summer break for Madison teachers. I was at school preparing for next week’s arrival of students, but at 11:30, I found myself glancing up at my classroom clock more and...
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Stapler Not Included
Public schools have faced a decreasing budget for more than a decade. Yet, the effects are not always obvious to the outside observer. Teachers rush in to fill the holes as quickly as they are created,...
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Respect for Workers Means a Place at the Table
As the MTI red and AFSCME green packed the meeting room and the halls of the MMSD Administration Building Monday night, I couldn’t help but think that we’d been here before. The budget was on the work...
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Ready, Set, Bargain!
Approximately 250 people filled the McDaniels Auditorium in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Administration building last Thursday night to advocate for the teachers’ right to a place at...
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What the Right Couldn’t Take
The present condition of politics in education is gloomy. School workers report high levels of stress, health problems, and thoughts of abandoning their career. Many pinpoint the source — a lack of...
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Closing the Door on the Madison Metropolitan School District
I stand outside my classroom door with a smile and a greeting as my students enter the room. I see some straighten up their posture and others pull off their hoods when they cross the threshold. I am...
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