The Advocate
May 2016
Reflections on 430 Years of WFEA Membership
When our last day of school arrives, West Fargo will have 14 retiring teacher members. They have a total of about 430 years of teaching experience in our district. We asked them why they chose, during their careers, to be members of WFEA. Below are some of the responses …
The security of having an organization which stands behind you as an educator is invaluable. WFEA has been a great advocate for bringing issues forward to administration and school board to hopefully find a resolution. It is great to have that feeling of support as a teacher.
- To gain “strength in numbers.” I believe in the union cause and in its ability to give a voice to workers.
- To be a part of an organization that supported teachers. It was a way to meet teachers from throughout the district. When the convention was part of our contracted days, I attended the teachers’ convention and found that helpful for networking and having access to some wonderful professional development opportunities. I also appreciated all the things the organization did that I would not have been able to do individually (negotiate, attend local, state, and national conventions, keep in touch with elected officials, and many other things.)
- For the liability insurance.
- WFEA is an advocate for not only negotiating salary but for looking out for the best interests of its members in a variety of areas. WFEA “had my back” and would be there to support me as a member.
- The local, state and national education associations support teacher and educational issues. Every teacher has a responsibility to further these causes through membership.
- Because of the unity in our association. WFEA has given us a bargaining tool that has enhanced not only our benefit package, but also my retirement package, which is one of the best in the state.
- I have seen so many improvements in benefits for teachers since I started. I could not use my sick leave for spouse or children when I first started. Now teachers can. I could not use any type of leaves for my parents. Now teachers can. Personal leave is now up to 2 days a year and can be accumulated. I have seen teacher negotiators, year after year, fight for better wages and better benefits. It is a thankless job and we have had wonderful people step up to do this for all of us. A union means united for all, not just for a select chosen few. A union will provide support and direction to teachers who have issues with administration, parents, etc. The money we spend in dues is money well spent, and without unions, we will regress instead of progress.
- Without WFEA, I don’t think we could have made the gains in salary that we have over the years. Looking back at 1997, I was making $25,000 a year. With a family to raise, this was insufficient. Over the next 5-7 years, however, WFEA negotiated what I would consider living wages for the hard working professionals in our district. I would have never thought I would retire at the salary I’m at (masters + 30). Thank you, WFEA!
Those are inspiring testimonials for WFEA and its value to all of us. Come to Liberty Middle School on Tuesday, May 17, at 4:15 to honor our retirees and thank them for these years of membership and service.