past president of Mvea carolyn sandeen-hall's letter to the editor

MVEA efforts are similar to those of other professional organizations
  
It is too bad that the only thing Rick Wagner and Josh Penry can do to advance their cause is wave the specter of the heavy-handed union thugs flush with money. I doubt this would match the image of your child’s favorite teacher who is most likely a member of the education association.

Indeed, they never question the motives of out-of-town billionaires donating large sums in a local “nonpartisan” race.

Perhaps an honest perspective would be more helpful. The educators of Mesa County join the association for many different reasons: bargaining representation, legal protection, professional development and/or access to discounted professional education materials. The vast majority of members give a minimum optional contribution for political activity. It is a drop in the bucket compared to spending of millionaires and their corporations.

The efforts of the education association are very much like that of other professional organizations representing doctors, lawyers, realtors and others. Our organizations are formed to represent our professional interests by lobbying, providing information and advocating for our members.

Those of us in the education association have spent years working for high quality, pre-service education, fair and thorough evaluation, continued professional development and high standards for professional educators.

Speaking up for our professional career is the right thing to do. We join our organization because we have education and experience to add to the decision-making about our schools.

Our leaders are classroom teachers who can speak knowledgably for us while we are busy in our classrooms. We care deeply about the difference we can make for our children and our community. 

CAROLYN SANDEEN-HALL 
Retired Teacher
Grand Junction