TEACHERS: Same access for all

Northwest Professional Educators applauds the Coeur d’Alene School board for unanimously passing the pro-teacher “right to know and equal access” resolution (Cd’A board supports anti-union resolution, 6/4/13). The resolution merely calls for legislation that will strengthen Idaho’s current right to work statute designed to protect teachers from intimidation, harassment, and coercion in their decision to join or refrain from joining a union.

Such legislation would advance teacher choice and help establish a work environment of mutual respect, collaboration, and effective leadership. As democratic environments, districts should promote informed decision making for teachers. Choosing an association should be a personal decision based on adequate information and an individual’s own values, beliefs, and budget.

Implemented correctly, such legislation would help ensure that public schools can live out their mission to be a free marketplace of ideas — a place where teacher freedom of speech and freedom of association are assured and promoted and where teacher effectiveness and leadership are nurtured regardless of the decision to join or refrain from joining a union.

We couldn’t agree more with Derek Kohles, incoming Coeur d’Alene Education Association president, in saying “This resolution may serve a valuable purpose.” If it leads to legislation that will serve to strengthen teachers’ rights of association under Idaho’s right to work statute, the resolution would indeed serve a valuable purpose.

CINDY OMLIN

Executive Director

Northwest Professional Educators