At first, it doesn’t seem to make sense. Michelle Rhee, the controversial former head of the Washington D.C. school system and the “star” of the anti-union documentary Waiting for Superman, wrote a column for the Huffington Post defending collective bargaining. That’s right. The woman who famously fired scores of teachers as the D.C. schools chancellor (firings [...]

We like to remind our members that their voice matters and sending a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a great way to draw attention to your issues or to respond to something in the news.  Here are a few tips for getting your letter printed: Be timely. If you are responding [...]

The trick used by the writers of A Nation At Risk is very effective and commonly used by liars who figure. You see it today in the rhetoric of those who profit politically by attacking public sector employees as “overpaid” in comparison with the private sector.

We knew what was coming when we got a call last week from the Tribune’s reporter in charge of executing the mission of the paper’s editorial board — to strip public employees of their pensions. Because of our history, we decided to send a statement on IEA’s pension policy, rather than give an interview. You [...]

It will come as no surprise to you that there are teachers and school support staff throughout Illinois who put their heart and soul into their work every day. Or that these men and women, who typify public education employees, are found in schools throughout the state and chose a career in public education because [...]

A friend in Wisconsin shared a joke that is making the rounds lately: A CEO, a union public employee, and a Tea Party member are sitting at a table. In the middle of the table is a plate with a dozen cookies on it. The CEO takes 11 cookies, looks at the Tea Partier, and [...]

Did you know that the biggest demonstration in Wisconsin’s state capitol in 40 years took place Saturday? Of course you did. Illinois education employees are tuned in to what’s happening in Madison because they “get” what Gov. Scott Walker is trying to do to public employees. They know he’s determined to still the voices of [...]

The riveting political drama that has unfolded in Madison, WI, over the last few days has drawn the attention of the nation and the world.  However, much of the national media doesn’t appear up to the challenge of covering it accurately. The outlets that unquestioningly replayed Gov. Walker’s disingenuous talking points have obscured reality and [...]

It’s easy to become cynical about politics. Money matters too much. Ideas don’t matter enough. But, in politics, election outcomes matter most. So, the next time you hear someone say, “Even though Candidate A is out to ruin my profession, Candidate B doesn’t excite me enough to get involved,” remember Wisconsin. APPLETON — Hours after Gov. [...]

Sunday, February 6, is the 100th anniversary of Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States. While much of the discussion surrounding the Reagan Centennial is focused on his eight years as President, we think a look at his first elective office, Governor of California, is of interest. Long before Iran-Contra, the breaking of the [...]