WEA supports teachers, students

In response to Joanne Bovey’s letter of Jan. 16 (“WEA bullying”), I would like to provide my own perspective as a teacher and proud member of the Washington Education Association. Ms. Bovey perceives the WEA as “bullying.” However, the WEA supports Washington state educators every day.

With WEA backing, educators receive professional development opportunities; education and assistance for professional certification; legal support for professional litigation; support for negotiated protections under local Collective Bargaining Agreements (including pay, benefits, and retirement funding); and so much more. Local bargaining, supported by WEA, benefits EVERY teacher, which in turn helps attract the best and brightest educators who provide the highest quality education for Washington’s children.

The Freedom Foundation, the organization behind the flyers referenced by Ms. Bovey, wants to take away the support Washington teachers receive from the WEA. We cannot allow that to happen. Our strength is in our numbers: the 80,000+ members of the WEA.

I will gladly pay my dues knowing the benefits far outweigh the costs. For me, it is an investment in my future as well as the future of Washington state educators and students.

Annette Phipps, teacher

Elk