It is no wonder that in Green Bay the teacher bargaining effort will work to revise current contract language on disruptive students. It is no secret that students cannot learn and teachers cannot teach if disruptions upset the learning atmosphere. Procedures need to be in place so that teachers can deal effectively and fairly with disruptive students. Another top priority is a teacher request that they be given time to attend the parent-teacher conferences for their own children. Such a change in the district policy for the teachers would be a strong example to the rest of the community.
Public schools reflect the diversity of the communites they serve.
While diversity strengthens schools, it also presents challenges for classroom teachers. Teachers need the time to plan and meet regularly with colleagues to develop and modify the educational plans for these students especially. In Green Bay, the contract talks will address this area of concern. Naturally, the talks will include economic issues. GBEA is proposing that the district change its health and dental plans and is suggesting a carrier that will enable the district to save considerable dollars by making the change.