Chicago Charters Striking

Perhaps this shouldn't come as surprise. I'm certainly not stunned to learn that at some point in the future - now it turns out - charter school teachers would have to advocate for themselves and the children. Just this week four Chicago International Charter Schools went on strike. Mind you, charters are public schools and they are often funded at less than a nearby neighborhood school.

And why are the teachers striking? Well, it turns out that there are multiple issues, issues that anyone following the creation and growth of charters nationwide would realize it was just a matter of time before issues came to a head.

The teachers want smaller class sizes, they are asking for more Special Education resources and they feel there is a strong need for additional Social Workers and Counselors. Oh, and by the way, the teachers also get less pay than that neighborhood school just around the block.

This strike, not unlike any other strike hitting our schools, isn't some gamesmanship or ploy. The above are real issues and until those responsible for overseeing the schools get into the building(s) to learn that the needs are great and that those in the trenches can provide valuable insights; well, more discontent will arise in addition to students not being properly resourced.

Dick