Membership
promotion of litigation, especially in print, is not designed to improve collaboration but to
publicize the position on person or organization which is totally contrary to their responsibilities
as members of a PECCA panel which represents all “professional employees”. Touting lawsuits
hurts all educators, and creates costs to taxpayers, which undermines confidence in public
education.
The fact is that the lawsuit was questionable from the very beginning. It was even debatable
as to whether the union had standing to bring such an obstructive lawsuit since they are
only representing one interest group while participating in the panel process of collaborative
conferencing. This should have been resolved within that process, with clear understanding
of the roles of the parties. The lawsuit likely cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and took
nearly 3 years. Working together this could have been completely avoided.
Again, are we striving toward achievement of the original objective of the PECCA law? It is
clear, a course adjustment may be in order. Eliminating needless lawsuits, staying focused on
the purpose, including more teachers in the process, and having impartial training moving
forward will better establish a peaceful, stable employer-employee relationship. Who could
oppose those common-sense changes?
Professional Educators of Tennessee will continue to advocate the protection of the rights of
ALL educators to be members of the organization of their choice with equal access. We offer
a modern approach to representation, legal protection and unmatched educational advocacy,
as well as promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a partisan agenda.
We are also funded strictly by the dues of our members. Our advocacy efforts carry significant
weight with legislators and other policymakers. We choose to collaborate, not separate, which
is a natural choice for a group that is member-owned and member-driven.
EACH ONE REACH ONE
CHALLENGE
Every member is challenged to recruit one
new member this year! Make sure they use
your referral link or enter your name during
the registration process, and you’ll receive a
pair of movie tickets to the theater chain of
your choice (AMC, Regal, or Malco).
How to Send Referral Link:
Log in to your Member Portal and click
the Connections tab. Enter an email
address in the Refer a Professional box.