Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 8:41 AM MDT

As a 5th year DCTA member, I am disappointed in our weak leadership team and am looking for change.  Weak DCTA leaders are not connecting with the teachers they are serving to better meet the needs of students.  By the weak DCTA leadership denying DPS teachers, who teach in the toughest Colorado district, a significant increase in pay, then who are they representing?  I am looking for change in our DCTA leadership to become strong and meet the needs of teachers who work very hard at meeting the needs of students.

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 1:49 PM MDT

You are completely right.  The DCTA is no longer representing its members.  They are an archaic organization that is trying to hold on to the old gaurd.  The leadership needs to hand over its control to people who really want to make progress.

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 3:23 PM MDT

Unions were created to be the voice of the worker when management created unfair working conditions, hours, pay, etc.  Management was able to dismiss the voice of one worker, but the power that was created when workers were a collective group was a force to be reckoned with. 

Somewhere along the lines this situation got turned around in Denver.  I now feel that the district is fighting for my rights, and the union is hampering the process.  How did this happen?  Since when does a union look out for the interest of a select few as opposed to the majority of its members?

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 8:05 PM MDT

I couldn't agree more, there was a time and place when unions helped to protect the most basic rights of workers. It was all about the collective group and what was best for everyone. Now it seems like my union doesn't care about me and won't fight for me until I send them my dues for another 10 years. I'm glad we are trying to get the voice of the new teacher heard before it is too late.

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 8:16 PM MDT

I think the DPS proposal to give a significant pay increase to new teachers and those with less than five years experience will have a very positive impact on student achievement. By paying teachers more earlier in their career, the district will attract more highly qualified and effective teachers to the district. For me, the increase in the bonus for those teaching in hard to serve schools will reward me for choosing to teach in a challenging environment. If we are ever going to close the achievement gap then we must attract the best teachers to our district and reward them for the hard work that they do. Those filling the most challenging positions in the most challenging schools getting paid the most? Seems simple to me.

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 8:25 PM MDT

Word has it that DCTA is getting serious about job action and maybe even...striking???? Can you believe this? We have a great offer on the table and the union wants to not only walk away without bargaining it (maybe because our leadership is incapable of such a task) but begin this crap too? Look, if we were getting our free time removed and pay DECREASED instead of INCREASED, then I would think about some serious actions. But now? You've got to be kidding me.

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 9:52 PM MDT

"perhaps it's time for a change" is an understatement! It is time for action. How many of the teachers that the DCTA "represents" have any idea what they are turning down? I'm guessing very few, or everyone would't be so quiet.

...There are amazing opportunities ahead for this district if we start offering more competitive salaries to teachers of ALL experience levels. Think about what it could mean for our kids - isn't that the point, after all?

 I know I'd sure like a chance to voice my favorable opinion on the district's 54 million dollar offer...

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 9:52 PM MDT

"perhaps it's time for a change" is an understatement! It is time for action. How many of the teachers that the DCTA "represents" have any idea what they are turning down? I'm guessing very few, or everyone would't be so quiet.

...There are amazing opportunities ahead for this district if we start offering more competitive salaries to teachers of ALL experience levels. Think about what it could mean for our kids - isn't that the point, after all?

 I know I'd sure like a chance to voice my favorable opinion on the district's 54 million dollar offer...

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - 10:42 PM MDT

Last I looked DCTA is a democratic organization.  Officers and leaders are ELECTED by the membership.  Leaders are only as good as those people who vote for them or the people who are too busy to be involved.

Get involved, run for office, become the president it is possible, if you have actual  people who think like you do.  That is the beauty of democracy.

You can effect change in the union by getting involved.   The union welcomes you and all of your friends out there to run for office.  By all means, if you can do it better get out there and do it instead of just complaining about how teachers are such victims. 

Thursday, 29 May 2008 - 11:42 AM MDT

As a former DPS teacher I am saddened by what I read about the contract talks (or should I say the lack thereof).  Although I loved teaching in Denver, I couldn't stand the politics and the union distractions.  I now teach in a smaller district which actually focuses on kids.  I have left unions for good and now belong to a NON-UNION teacher assocation (Colorado's local AAE chapter, AAEteachers.org) which actually supports me professionally (instead of treating me like a factory worker).  My condolences DPS teachers.  More importantly, my condoences to DPS families who have to actually send their children to school amidst this mess.

Thursday, 29 May 2008 - 11:56 AM MDT

Hey "Former DPS Teacher!"

So sorry you bailed.  But I am curious if your association is here in Denver.  ANYTHING WOULD BE BETTER THAN DCTA!  If they are not already here then how can we get them to help us.  Did I already mention that ANYTHING WOULD BE BETTER THAN DCTA?

Please help us!!!

Thursday, 29 May 2008 - 3:25 PM MDT

Truthfulness

“Union leaders insist they didn't encourage the irresponsible actions” If union leaders lie to the press how do we know they are telling us the truth?  They not only encouraged us, but provided different ideas on what to do!  I do not want another dishonest president.  The president in the White House does enough.

Thursday, 29 May 2008 - 4:08 PM MDT

Kyle,

Do you have any evidence that the union "provided different ideas on what to do"?  I's sure there are folks that would be very interested in seeing it.

Curious

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 10:48 AM MDT

“Curious”

Last week our building rep was at DCTA delivering a letter on our Autonomy request and they were on a table in the hall.  We went today to talk with the Union President but she is in Beaver Creek at a conference.

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 3:05 PM MDT

Kyle,

On a table in the hall huh?  Well, I know lots of folks who'd like to get a copy of one of whatever was in the hall, on the table.

Curious

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 4:01 PM MDT

Has anyone read the salary schedule proposed by the district? While everyone seems to be saying what a fair offer this is - you need to realize that this money is coming from somewhere. For a teacher entering in their step 1 with a BA/BS by the time the reach step 6 it is a total raise of +/- $1200. More or less only $200 a year increases in the salary schedule/year (not including deductions for taxes/pension) so if you want to accept this schedule as a new teacher and receive an annual raise that figures to be about$1.20/day accepts this offer. The BIG issue is the salary schedule itself. Freezing salaries at year 13 IS NOT competitive with other district that recognizes year salary steps. Having educational increments in blocks of 30 credits IS NOT competitive with other districts. This proposal by the district may initially be attractive but it does not address the underlying issue of retaining excellent teachers who are willing to be committed to DPS.

BTW with all the concerns about DCTA we do have another teacher union in Denver- Denver Federation of Teachers- though are local footprint is small our parent organization American Federation of Teachers has a collective voice at the State and National Level that is heard and listened to.

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 4:46 PM MDT

The faculty from Montclair along with several parents went to DCTA headquarters to try and talk with our union's leadership about the school's proposal for autonomy today. Sadly, DCTA was nowehere to be found. Word has it they were in Beaver Creek. DCTA has been absent in addressing Montclair's proposal for weeks, much like they have been absent from the bargaining table.

 But then again, there's always time to relax in the mountains...

 Here is a letter sent to DCTA president Kim Ursetta from Montclair folks.

Good Morning Kim,

The faculty and parents of Montclair came to the DCTA office on May 30th at
10A.M. to chat about our agreement. Unfortunately, you and Bruce where out
of the office. We met with Pablo and left a letter.

We understand this is busy time of year but we would like to discuss our
proposal and come to an agreement before the beginning of next year.  It is
in the best interests of our students to start the next school year with our
agreement in place.  Our proposal was submitted on April 18th, has been
approved by the School Board and DCTA has been provided with sufficient time
to approve the matter.

Thanks for your time and considerations.

Gigi Hummel
Montclair Elementary
Kindergarten Teacher
DCTA Rep

Kyle Kimmal
3rd Grade teacher
DCTA member

Shannon Hagerman
Principal

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 4:55 PM MDT

Here is the latest email from Pablo at DCTA. More job action? Doesn't sound like DCTA has its priorities straight...

Anyone who would like to be involved in Association organizing activities is welcomed to attend our summer organizing meeting on June 5th from 1-2:30 at DCTA headquarters 1500 Grant St.  We will be discussing the summer plan to inform our members and build solidarity for potential job actions early next year.  Please RSVP, now is the time to get involved.  Thanks!

Pablo Irlando-Wildman
UniServ Director-Organizing Specialist
Denver Classroom Teachers Association
303 831-0590 Ext 1205
pirlando-wildman@nea.org

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 6:09 PM MDT

 from what it reads you walked into the office without an appointment and expected either or both of  these 2 to people to be there? obviously neither Bruce nor Kim said to each other it's a nice day for a drive. this workshop has been planned for a while. sounds like poor planning on your part.

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 9:57 PM MDT

Teachers from Montclair have been trying to talk with DCTA for weeks and today they were told no requests for autonomy would be entertained until we settle "our" contract. I see no failure to plan on the Montclair teachers part. What I do see is childish and stupid behavior on DCTA leadership. Do they really think they can dismiss these teachers by ignoring them?

When will DCTA leadership start listening to teachers instead of pursuing their own narrow self-interest? 

Time is an issue, since they couldn't possibly listen to members while they are "working" in Beaver Creek.

I hoped they booked the econo rooms. Afterall it is our dues dollars at "work."

Friday, 30 May 2008 - 10:23 PM MDT

Curious

  Fliers were handed out at the last DCTA Rep Council meeting encouraging "park outs" and "sick outs"etc.

Saturday, 31 May 2008 - 7:45 AM MDT

Martin, any chance I could get a copy of one of those fliers?

Saturday, 31 May 2008 - 9:32 AM MDT

So many teachers are just tired of being held hostage by our union.  Our dues purchase representation at the bargaining table.  The question I put out there to the teachers reading this blog is: do you feel represented?  I don't. 

I'm sick to death of union leadership whose identity is based on automatic opposition to anything the district offers.  They represent a small number of angry, embittered, hostile, close-minded people.  I like my district and my work.  We are all educators, working together to serve the students and families of Denver.  I am sick of being embarrassed by my union leadership.  It is time for a change.

Saturday, 31 May 2008 - 10:52 AM MDT

it seems that the tone of the board is to bash dcta and not look at the big picture - our salary schedule is still NOT competitive with surrounding metro districts. several years ago there was a district/dcta committee that looked at the salary schedule and jointly agreed that revisions need to be made but the Board refuses to take on its responsibility and deal with this issue of inequity in our salary schedule. instead it sends its boy and his monkey- brad juppe- to do the dirty work.

where is the board's plan to make our salary schedule more competitive 

Saturday, 31 May 2008 - 2:34 PM MDT

Thank you for the opportunity to share information.

Some information at the beginning of this website needs to be corrected.

The opening page states:

Under one of the district's offers, starting salary will increase to $44,000 with opportunities to obtain larger bonuses.

 That is factually incorrect.  Under the district's proposal to merge ProComp and the Traditional Salary scedule, the BASE salary of a first year BA would be 37,864.  The base salary of a first year MA would be 38,400.  It is on top of those base salaries that the "average" teacher would earn 2 bonuses.  Bonuses are $3,029, so two would be $6,058.  This is the correct representation of the facts.  The AVERAGE first year BA would then have a TOTAL salary (base plus bonuses) of $43,912.  I assume this is the "starting salary of $44,000" that you refer to.  Please correct your hopepage to state it correctly:

"The starting BASE salary is 37,864 (BA) or 38,400(MA) with opportunities to obtain larger bonuses."

-Margaret Bobb

I have the integrity to identify myself and I wish that the rest of the people posting to this website would as well.  This isn't a teenage chatroom.

Monday, 2 June 2008 - 11:55 AM MDT

mard you are right.  There are some weak parts to the DPS proposal, however at least they made a proposal and are willing to talk.  A vote of no confidence, sick outs, and other such tactics by the DCTA are just rediculous.  The whole point of negotiations is to have two sides sit down and talk; they each have their ideal proposals and then come to a compromise.  The bad thing about the DCTA is that none of these steps have been taken.  It is a sad day when the district wants to pay its teachers more but the union does not want to hear it.    

Monday, 2 June 2008 - 12:24 PM MDT

"Trek",

You are NOT right. 

The DCTA has offered SEVERAL proposals.  You are becoming  a sheep to the propoganda dispensed by the administrative side. It was not DCTA that left the bargaining table, it was DPS that stood up and walked out.  The only proposal being publicized at this point is the DISTRICT'S "latest" offer, because the district is pushing it in the media INSTEAD of (as you so correctly suggest it should take place) AT THE NEGOTIATING table. Negotitations will resume again tomorrow. 

Those of you who, like myself, are long time district teachers might remember that for the past 7 years we have reached impasse in May and then WAITED until August/September for things to be resolved...usually with a weak outcome for teachers (consider the current state of the traditional salary schedule as evidence of this).   There seems to be some assumption that it is the "fault" of DCTA.  DPS bears responsibility for that tired old pattern.   Those of you criticizing the sick outs and other job actions might consider that the very REASON this year is DIFFERENT now is because of those actions.  The School Board approves the coming year's budget in JUNE.  Those who took job action understand that the district has everything to gain by dragging negotiations in to the fall, after the budget has been set.  Those who took action are DONE with being the victim of the district's delay tactics.  I applaud those teachers for galvanizing and catalyzing the change. In my opinion, we are back into negotiations NOW because their actions garnered attention.

Margaret Bobb

(again....have the integrity to identify yourself) 

Saturday, 7 June 2008 - 7:19 PM MDT

Very true Margret, but the thing that is sad is that these teachers are putting themselves before their students.  If the district was trying to take money away from the teachers adn would not budge, then yes "sick outs", strikes, and other such tactics would be necessary.  However, money is being put into the teachers salaries, just not what the DCTA would like.  It really is a sad day when the students are thought of as objects or items that can be used to negotiate with.     

Monday, 9 June 2008 - 2:07 PM MDT

Actually, an analysis of the district's proposal shows that it DOES take money away from teachers.   The district proposes to restructure ProComp, reducing the salary earnings over a career compared to the way ProComp is now.  The offer that is on the table is a "quick fix" that will inflate bonuses (that are only available to about 50% of the teachers) at the expense of long-term earnings that are currently available to ALL teachers in ProComp.  DCTA rejects this offer because it is not in the best interests of MOST of the teachers in Denver.   The huge "raises" offered by the district are largely just shifting the ProComp money around.  I am a member of the ProComp Transition Team and we have been discussing this with the district since October.  I take my role as a representative for the interests of all teachers and for the integrity of ProComp very seriously.

 Margaret Bobb

Monday, 9 June 2008 - 9:45 PM MDT

Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:16 AM MDT

Margaret, this may be try that trek is wrong.  However, the simple matter keeps coming abck to the fact that the union still has not countered with their own proposal.  The only material that I have received form the union simply rejects anything tha tthe districts proposes.  I do not like the district proposal either, however at least they are coming out with something.  As Aristotle stated centuries ago, something is better than nothing.  It honestly feels like the sole purpose of the union has been to reject, reject, reject.  My one hope is that the union comes out with something, a contract, a proposal, a counteroffer; something, but even the latest letter from Kim that I got on my summer break, simply laid out how the district offer is bad.  I have never received any proposal/offer from the union. 

Wednesday, 2 July 2008 - 12:48 PM MDT

Actually, Jack, even Mr. Bennet acknowledges a DCTA proposal in his letter about the district position on negotiations that he sent to teachers on district email.  If you reference his letter, you will notice that proposal A actually originated from DCTA - well, the heart of it anyway.... Unfortunately, you seem to have fallen victim to the media like most others.  If you actually attended meetings or got involved in contract discussions you would see a much more well rounded picture than you are seeing in the media.  Unfortunately, too many of us have gotten into the habit of blaming the union rather than getting involved and trying to change what we do not like.  The union is neither an outside entity, nor is it an insurance agent, it is nothing more than a democratic organization that gives teachers a voice in our workplace.   If you don't like democracy, well that is another discussion entirely.  Me I am for democracy and I take as much responsibility in the process as I am able to.  It does not always come out as I hope, but then again I vote for President of the US and that doesn't always come out the way I like either.  HOwever, I continue to vote....

Saturday, 12 July 2008 - 12:50 PM MDT

Jennifer I actually have been very attentive to the negotiations and have talked with leadership in person on both sides.  On top of this a true democracy is equally representative and not just for one side like the union leadership is.  Another interesting point is that yes we continue to vote, however, our country is not a democracy it is a republic which are two different things.  Instead our union is suposed to be a democracy in which the leadership has a vested interest in its members and not just a few or minority.  Either way it woudl be nice if the union did not simply reject the district just to be rejecting it and actually sit down for dialogue.  To finish all of this, I do not listen to the media and in fact even really read because as an educated person I know that they have their own agenda and usually are not even close to the truth.  They are extremely biased and can not be trusted with providing correcte information, which is why I almost always try to go to the source.  Have you ever actually sat down with Mr. Bennet or have you simply heard second or third hand what he wants?