Category: Return on investment

By Secretary Paul Karnstedt (Science, LHS)

My first job out of college was at Kenosha Unified School District in 2010-2011.  During that school year, the Wisconsin state government passed legislation that effectively ended collective bargaining for teachers unions.  I left that job after only one year, so didn’t personally experience the effects of this.  However, I kept in touch with some friends… some stayed, and some went to other districts in Wisconsin.  Some examples of the fallout in various Wisconsin school districts that were shared with me were: the base salary in KUSD was frozen for over 5 years, medical coverage being immediately downgraded, class sizes drastically increasing, evaluations being changed to every single year for all teachers (with more observations), and immediately going from five to six preps.

This simple example shows the importance of unions because it showed how quickly to me that school working conditions, which are learning conditions, can change without our collective voice.  This is the third district I’ve worked in and it has always been clear to me that at every stop, even as teachers unions advocate for our union, we are the strongest advocates for our students.  I’m proud to serve in a leadership position and further involve myself in this work.

By Treasurer Nikki Olszewski (Math, LHS)

I believe in the power of collective bargaining and banning together to protect the rights of my fellow colleagues.  I believe in the power of the teachers union working together with administration to achieve our goals.  I want to be a support for those in D128 who feel like they need help.  I want to be a voice for those teachers who may not feel comfortable voicing their thoughts.  As the treasurer, I want to make sure we have the security to address concerns that may need to be backed financially.  

by Building Representative Jason Rush (CTE, VHHS)

I am proud to be a part of The American Federation of Teachers and one of its local affiliates. Our Union has a strong history of supporting its members and those that we teach through the tumultuous 20th Century. I am proud to be part of the organization that has helped shape the United States through the education of its citizens and its strong support of the most vulnerable in our society.

by Vice President Mary Kate Schoenbeck (English, LHS)

I have to admit that I didn’t know what I was doing when I joined the Union fifteen years ago. When I filled out my new member form, I didn’t know what being a part of a Union meant or what a Union really did. But as I grew to be a more seasoned teacher, I slowly realized how important it is to be “Union strong.”

In particular, the Union really stepped up for our membership during COVID. They advocated for us, our families, and our safety when schools and educators were at the center of a national crisis. At every turn, they fought for us and were our voice. This is what inspired me to serve and seek a leadership role on our Union’s Executive Board. I want to stand up for our members and their interests, especially during this chaotic time in education, knowing that when we are at our best, so are our students.