A delegation of more than 30 ACTS teachers gave voice to the challenges and rewards of their profession at the 2008 National Charter Schools Conference, held June 22-25 in New Orleans.

The ACTS delegation—all AFT members in unionized charter schools from across the nation—made up one of the largest groups of teachers at the conference, which was heavily attended by charter school operators and managers.

AFT charter school members shared best practices and swapped ideas in New Orleans.

Khea Davis, an AFT member from Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., said it was gratifying that the ACTS delegation could bring a teacher perspective to the meeting. “We’re in the trenches, and we know what works and what doesn’t. It was also helpful to let others know how having a union enhances the ability of a charter school to be successful.”

Davis was joined at the conference by AFT charter school colleagues from Buffalo, N.Y.; Broward County, Fla.; New York City; St. Louis; New Orleans; and California. Before the conference began, the group participated in a community service event to beautify a New Orleans charter school (see previous story).

AFT conference attendees said they appreciated the opportunity to network with colleagues and discuss ideas for improving instructional practice at their schools.

“The passion to help our students and improve our schools is contagious,” said Deatrice Bacchus, a teacher at the UFT Secondary Charter School in Brooklyn, N.Y. “We support each other from near and far. I love that.”

Jed Shields, a teacher at the recently unionized Construction Careers Center Charter School in St. Louis, echoed that sentiment. “Since we’re in the early stages of our union, it was extremely helpful to hear about successes at other charter schools and how the union helped solve problems. ”

Avi Spiller, a math teacher from Pembroke Pines Charter High School, added, “I have so many new ideas now, and I can’t wait to go back to my school and encourage my colleagues to share their ideas, too. I’m going to go door-to-door.”

Teacher Reception a Hit

A highlight of the conference was a special reception hosted jointly by ACTS, the United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO), the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES).

UTNO president Larry Carter thanked visitors for coming to New Orleans, telling them that “you prove that unions and charters, together, are a win-win proposition.” He reiterated that UTNO will continue working towards its goal—restoring teachers' voice in New Orleans, so that all teachers are empowered and supported in whatever schools they work.

UFT Vice President Michelle Bodden emphasized the vital link between unions and charter schools.

Michelle Bodden, a vice president for both the UFT and the AFT, told attendees that they are “living proof that unionized charter schools work,” adding that unionized charter schools consistently rank among the best in terms of student performance.

Bodden urged ACTS members to get the word out to the charter school community that the AFT “stands ready to welcome all charter school teachers into our union family.”

At the end of her remarks, Bodden made a surprise announcement—she recently accepted the job of school leader at the UFT Elementary Charter School. She’ll begin that position next fall.

Rounding out the roster of speakers was Juanita Brown of the Coalition of Essential Schools, a nationwide network of “personalized, equitable, and intellectually challenging schools.”

Brown explained that one of the coalition’s guiding principles is that all teachers should have a strong voice in school and curriculum decisionmaking: “When teachers are empowered, it’s the kids who benefit.”

She said that a lot of progress can come from links between charter schools and unions, because unionized charter schools have the potential to offer both innovation and protection. She cited the example of “pilot schools” in Boston, where teachers have both a union contract and more freedom to experiment and try new approaches. Her coalition played a role in establishing many of the Boston pilot schools, working in conjunction with the district and the Boston Teachers Union.

After the reception, which also featured a video on unions and charter schools produced by the AFT, Khea Davis summed up the experience for many of the AFT members in attendance: “I’m just so proud to be part of an organization that puts students and teachers first.” [Photos by Nijme Rinaldi-Nun]