*all quotes in this op-ed are real*
In the high September sun, there is revolution in the air. On the heels of Tomato Girl Summer and blissful, homework-free afternoons come the winds of change: the Westridge Federation of Teachers is clamoring to go on strike.
Citing not enough pay and too many students bemoaning the loss of any future career after receiving—nay, earning—an A- as reasons for their displeasure, the WFT is desperate for a systematic upheaval of the school environment.
At this breaking news, factions have already emerged. While the majority of teachers support going on strike, some are more hesitant than others to go through the physical motions of protest.
Jennifer Cutler, Upper School History teacher and Inland Empire resident, complained: “I'd have to take a train to the picket line?” Cutler, a well-known user of public transport, gets to Westridge as early as 7 a.m. most days. A strike would mean continuing her tedious Inland-Empire-to-Westridge journey to spend days with signs and slogans.
Skop, 11th Grade Advisor and Blitzball coach, sang a different tune. “Solidarity!” He said. An idealist within the WFT, Skop would almost certainly be on the front lines of any future strike.
So what would this strike look like?
Westridge would not close its doors; instead, students would file into class to sit there for silent 70-minute blocks while teachers protest around campus and along State, Pasadena, and Orange Grove, holding posters, shouting slogans, and generally causing a scene.
What does the WFT want?
This varies depending on what teacher you ask. Ms. Cutler has asked for the complete eradication of larger writing assignments, petitioning instead for a purely research-based class. The only writing she wants her students to do is citations and constrained analysis practice. Some teachers want changes as conservative as increased wages; others want to tear down the entire Westridge curriculum and rebuild it brick by brick. On a recent call with Thursday Detention staff, Ms. Oseran expressed interest in three-year parental leave. When asked whether she would join the picket line, Ms. Oseran made no comment. I, for one, would love to see Ms. Oseran and her child on strike. It would send a wonderful message to the younger generations.*
Would students benefit from a strike?
No. A successful strike would almost certainly mean tuition price hikes to cover increased teacher salaries. So if that money isn't going to go to ASD, what's really the point?
Should we support a strike?
Yes. Worker solidarity forever. Prepare to pay 80k a year to learn citations.
In the high September sun, there is revolution in the air. On the heels of Tomato Girl Summer and blissful, homework-free afternoons come the winds of change: the Westridge Federation of Teachers is clamoring to go on strike.
Citing not enough pay and too many students bemoaning the loss of any future career after receiving—nay, earning—an A- as reasons for their displeasure, the WFT is desperate for a systematic upheaval of the school environment.
At this breaking news, factions have already emerged. While the majority of teachers support going on strike, some are more hesitant than others to go through the physical motions of protest.
Jennifer Cutler, Upper School History teacher and Inland Empire resident, complained: “I'd have to take a train to the picket line?” Cutler, a well-known user of public transport, gets to Westridge as early as 7 a.m. most days. A strike would mean continuing her tedious Inland-Empire-to-Westridge journey to spend days with signs and slogans.
Skop, 11th Grade Advisor and Blitzball coach, sang a different tune. “Solidarity!” He said. An idealist within the WFT, Skop would almost certainly be on the front lines of any future strike.
So what would this strike look like?
Westridge would not close its doors; instead, students would file into class to sit there for silent 70-minute blocks while teachers protest around campus and along State, Pasadena, and Orange Grove, holding posters, shouting slogans, and generally causing a scene.
What does the WFT want?
This varies depending on what teacher you ask. Ms. Cutler has asked for the complete eradication of larger writing assignments, petitioning instead for a purely research-based class. The only writing she wants her students to do is citations and constrained analysis practice. Some teachers want changes as conservative as increased wages; others want to tear down the entire Westridge curriculum and rebuild it brick by brick. On a recent call with Thursday Detention staff, Ms. Oseran expressed interest in three-year parental leave. When asked whether she would join the picket line, Ms. Oseran made no comment. I, for one, would love to see Ms. Oseran and her child on strike. It would send a wonderful message to the younger generations.*
Would students benefit from a strike?
No. A successful strike would almost certainly mean tuition price hikes to cover increased teacher salaries. So if that money isn't going to go to ASD, what's really the point?
Should we support a strike?
Yes. Worker solidarity forever. Prepare to pay 80k a year to learn citations.