Archive: May 1999

Enforcing the Contract

The contract rights you possess are made real when individuals or groups of teachers make the decision to insist on those rights being honored. Over 3,000 SDEA members rallied at the district office to do exactly that. Your presence sent a clear message, "Honor our contract and honor our expertise as professionals".

When faced with a possible contract issue at your work site, what should you do to maximize your ability to enforce your rights? If the issue involves evaluation or discipline, here are some suggestions:

• Remain calm and courteous.
• Ask that your Association Representative be present. Whenever possible, consult with your AR in advance.
• Listen carefully to any accusations and then ask for time to respond.
• Don't admit guilt or blame.
• Don't sign or make any verbal agreements (signatures that do not express agreement but merely that the administrator is following required procedural steps are permissible).
• Keep copies of all papers relating to the situation.
• Make written, dated records of any conferences with administrators, including names of witnesses and others involved.
• CONTACT YOUR SDEA SITE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE