Opinion piece: In support of Colorado teachers

This letter is from some of the UCCS faculty members supporting Colorado public school teachers. The opinions expressed here do not represent official university positions.

April 25, 2018

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) stands in solidarity with Colorado public school teachers. We support Colorado teachers and all workers’ right to advocate on their own behalf. This is especially the case for public school teachers who work on the frontlines preparing children in our state for citizenship, work and college.

Colorado public school teachers have legitimate grievances and concerns about their ability to provide the quality education our children need. Currently, Colorado ranks 31st on teacher pay while classrooms are under-resourced. This not only causes parents to provide classroom supplies, but underpaid Colorado teachers spend on average $656 per year of their own money on classroom supplies.

Colorado public school teachers are not simply advocating on their own behalf, but also for the children of Colorado so that they can receive a 21st century education.

We oppose SB18-264, the “Prohibit Public School Teacher Strikes” bill, that would limit teachers’ rights as workers and their ability to advocate for the children of Colorado. We find it unconscionable for politicians to take away teachers’ rights and their ability to care for our children.

Signed,

Jeffrey Montez de Oca
President, UCCS AAUP
Associate Professor of Sociology
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

John Harner
Vice-President, UCCS AAUP
Professor of Geography
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Minette Church
Secretary, UCCS AAUP
Associate Professor of Anthropology
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Carole Huber
Instructional Faculty Representative, UCCS AAUP
Senior Instructor of Geography
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Suzanne Cook
Faculty Assembly Liaison, UCCS AAUP
Senior Instructor of French
University of Colorado Colorado Springs