Chicago Teachers Union strike news round-up
As most people reading this probably heard by now, the Chicago Teachers Union went on strike on Sunday morning. Which is a pretty big deal in Chicago, but thanks to the ongoing presidential race, it actually made national news. Which is kind of crazy.
But that's not what the post is about. This is my attempt to pull together stories that came from smaller neighborhood newspapers and blogs, stories that might otherwise get lost in the clutter.
And finally, Chicago Reader's Michael Miner offers a detailed analysis of some of the power players behind Mayor Emanuel's school reforms (and catches a Chicago Tribune reporter *gasp!* say something unkind about those reform initiatives)
Me, I'm hoping that this whole thing wraps up before the end of the week. Anything beyond that is only going to damage everybody involved.
But that's not what the post is about. This is my attempt to pull together stories that came from smaller neighborhood newspapers and blogs, stories that might otherwise get lost in the clutter.
- Teachers Walk Picket Lines (Beverly Review, Beverly) - it is worth noting that Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods saw some of the strongest opposition to Mayor Emanuel's plans for longer school day - and most of the opposition comes from parents.
- 'We're Out Here for the Kids' (Center Square Journal, North Center/Lincoln Square) - this article has a few interesting details. It showed many teachers' reluctance to be marching and some teachers sending work packets to students so they'll learn something during he strike.
- Local Parents Deal With the Strike (Chicago Journal, South Loop/West Loop/University Village) - Similar story. Municipal unions offering support, underutililized centers and parents trying to figure out what to do.
- Inside the strke contingency center (Chicago Pipeline, Wicker Park) - the centers are meant to provide kids with a place to stay during a school day. As the article suggests, there isn't much going on, but not for the lack of trying
- On Strike: Chicago Teachers Head for the Picket Lines (The Gate, Back of the Yards) - the more general summary.
- Local Teacher Offers Behind the Scenes Look at the Contract Negotiations (Our Urban Times, West Town)
- Striking Teachers Take to Near North Side Streets (Skyline, Near North Side) - Features a discussion of a march, words from supportive students, teachers from different schools pooling together for larger pickets and a bit about local restaurant offering food. Also, it's a shameless plug, since I wrote this article.
And finally, Chicago Reader's Michael Miner offers a detailed analysis of some of the power players behind Mayor Emanuel's school reforms (and catches a Chicago Tribune reporter *gasp!* say something unkind about those reform initiatives)
Me, I'm hoping that this whole thing wraps up before the end of the week. Anything beyond that is only going to damage everybody involved.