REFORM: Union view not pervasive

Not all teachers agree with the IEA's position on the education reform bills, but you'd never know it. Many teachers are afraid to speak out for fear of harassment.

Exclusive bargaining by Idaho Education Association has transformed schools from the "free marketplace of ideas" to Big Labor's pulpit and collection basket. Idaho's students and educators are suffering for it.

Often, union representatives intimidate teachers to join. If they don't, they make nonjoiners out to be selfish freeloaders. They tell them their views are harmful, offensive and anti-education. They denigrate nonunion teachers in flyers, articles and e-mails. They prevent nonunion teachers from communicating in school mailboxes, on bulletin boards, and in school meetings about their professional association.

They threaten administrators who might inform nonunion teachers of their rights and options for professional support. This unchecked bullying by teacher union representatives has solidified the NEA's monopolistic control over public education.

Our members have a variety of views on the education bills. I can assure you, however, that not all teachers agree with the teacher union's point of view as was clearly evident in our member survey.

CINDY OMLIN

Executive Director

Northwest Professional Educators