I have been a school administrator for the past ten years after spending 32 years in he classroom. Administrators are not deities but often are expected to be, and quite often would like to considered as such. We are expected to have all the answers and justifiably complain about that burden. Yet we too often act and speak as if we are infallible and react with hostility toward those who question our authority.
Why anyone would find it desirable to give one person unquestioned authority is difficult for me to comprehend. As an administrator, I have become keenly aware is my own fallibility. At the administrative level, mistakes become magnified. Decisions are made that have enormous impact on the lives of students and school employees. One person should not have the unilateral ability to decide the fate of another.
There should be checks on the power of administration. There should be due process. That is why I support unions and why I support Michigan's Proposal 2 which will put the collective bargaining rights into the Michigan Constitution.
Over the past thirty years there has been a steady erosion of the rights of working men and women. Unions have been under attack and have lost power and influence. One of the largest and most influential unions is the National Education Association and it is not surprising that it is now the target of the union busters.
The Republicans make no secret of their disdain for unions and the NEA specifically. They and their ALEC bosses have enacted anti-labor and anti-teacher legislation at every opportunity. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party, once a staunch ally of working people, no longer can be counted on to defend teachers or their unions. Past and present members of the administration have shown a willingness to throw teachers under the bus for the sake of political expediency.
Teachers and other workers are fighting back. In Michigan, we've had enough of Governor Rick Snyder's anti-teacher and anti-union agenda. The people of Michigan will have an opportunity to enshrine the right of collective bargaining in the Michigan Constitution.
The opponents of labor are using smear tactics against Prop 2 as I outlined in this diary yesterday. It is essential that those of us who support workers rights fight back against these cowardly and disgusting actions.
If you are a Michigan resident I urge you to support working people and to vote yes on Proposal 2. If you do not live in Michigan you can support the cause by donating to Protect Working Families at this site.
Administrators are not infallible. We don't have all the answers. We can and do make mistakes. Help ensure due process for workers. Please support Proposal2.