In Response to the Seattle Times Editorial

I can't begin to explain how disappointed I am in this editorial.  As a 17 year nationally certified teacher who has spent half of my career teaching in Arkansas in districts without collective bargaining and the last half of my career in a Washington district that has collective bargaining, I can't begin to explain the difference in my quality of life, my teaching, and the learning of my students.

However, I'd like to point out just a few flaws in their claim that "the biggest obstacle to education reform has been the WEA."

First, the WEA  has established a comprehensive support programs for National Board Certified Teachers. Their efforts now rank Washington rank Washington State as the 4th largest population of these highly qualified teachers.

Second, the WEA has worked hand in hand with OSPI to create a new teacher evaluation system that is currently being piloted, very effectively, across the state.

Third, the WEA has fought to keep health care as one of the last remaining benefits for the lowest paid, yet hightly educated work force in the state.

All this is evidence to prove that WEA is a leader in improving education across the state, not a barrier.

Finally, just a word about the last point, online education:  You want to replace actual classrooms with online learning and technology so that we can all be part of a high quality education that pays their teachers $12.00 an hour to care about their students they never see.  Welcome to public education via the University of Phoenix.

Do they seriously think that students without any face and seat time can get the same quality of education and caring as those in the classroom?  Some of my students don't see a significant adult at home for days at a time and I consider the time I spend with them every bit as important as the curriculum and thinking skills I teach.

For the state supreme court to expect the state to uphold the primary importance of education is reasonable and responsible and WEA can and will continue to function in a partnership that improves student learning and teacher quality. Stripping union rights is not the answer.