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June 14, 2008
GOVERNOR STANDS BY AFT CONTRACT, IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS STRESSED Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. said this weekend he remains hopeful that the teachers, nurses, school psychologists and others who make up the professional bargaining unit of the local chapters of the American Federation of Teachers will reconsider their decision to reject the government’s latest contract offer which amounted to an almost $21 million contract over a four-year term. The union voted to reject the proposal during membership meetings in both districts on June 5. The Government’s Chief Labor Negotiator, Jessica Gallivan, was formally notified of the rejection the day after. "I realize that it has taken longer to get to this point than many would have wanted, but it was important that we achieve a package that represents stability during a period of economic uncertainty, an appreciable increase in pay, and continued in investment in our professionals as a means toward teacher excellence and improvement in student performance. By rejecting the government’s offer, the union nixed a proposal that would have averaged salaries in the first year of the contract at $48,606; $50,171 in the school year 2009-2010 and $52,563 in the school year 2010-2011. Under terms of the last negotiated contract, a three-year arrangement, the estimated average salary was approximately $44,148," deJongh said, adding, "The proposed contract would bring significant increases to teachers at all levels of certification such as those with Bachelor degrees, Masters, Specialists in Education and teachers with Doctorate degrees in Education. In addition, it would have provided for a higher starting salary of $34,000 for first-year teachers, thereby allowing us to expand the pool of possible candidates by letting those of our young people interested in this profession know that we value their interest and need their contributions." The government’s offer to the AFT also called for the legally mandated 180 teaching days, 1,080 instructional hours, as well as six professional development days for elementary school teachers, four for non-elementary school teachers and one pre-school working day for all. Under the now expired contract, teachers maintained 180 teaching days, 1080 instructional hours, but only two professional development days for elementary school teachers and one pre-school workshop day for all. By some, the additional professional development days have been described as a major sticking point. Over the weekend, the head of the Department of Education underscored the issue’s importance. "Teaching is a dynamic process and as such, teachers must continually refine and upgrade their knowledge and pedagogy. Continual training is needed in order to assist them in enhancing learning models and instructional best practices. Therefore, professional development must not only be stressed but provided for whenever the opportunity arises," according to Education Commissioner La Verne Terry. The government has insisted on the additional professional development days as a means of increasing teacher proficiencies and skills set towards further developing student achievement. "This is part of my Administration’s continued investment in both achieving education reform and continuing the professional development of employees in the Education Department," deJongh said. An example of increasing teacher proficiency is the upcoming Model Schools conference which will be attended by some 300 stakeholders from the Virgin Islands including education officials, administrators, teachers, parents, legislators and members of the V.I. Board of Education as well as other community partners. The Virgin Islands participation in this conference goes hand in hand with the Administration’s attempt at reforming the V.I. public education system. Current research indicates the dramatic relationship between teacher practice and student performance. In fact, student achievement and performance at high levels necessitates continuous teacher training and skills development. Professional development days are an essential tool in expanding the techniques available to teachers in order to effectuate these advancements. The increasingly demanding needs of a diverse student population require these additional days in the school year calendar in order to provide the foundation for continued teacher training and overall educational reform. DeJongh said Saturday that while he remains concerned about the government’s financial condition and a strong reliance on the performance of U.S. economy. Nevertheless, he is also committed to education reform and believes the teaching professionals are central to his Administration’s plan for improvement. The proposal also contained a monetary incentive in lieu of a salary increase for School Year 2007-2008 totaling $2.9 million for 1,705 current professionals in the AFT union. Under the terms of the last negotiated contract, the monetary incentives totaled $2.5 million for all teachers: degreed, non-degreed, paraprofessionals and support staff, or some 2,294 members. Gallivan said she is expected to meet shortly with the government’s negotiating team to discuss the next steps in the process. A contract with the professional bargaining unit will need to be achieved before talks regarding paraprofessionals and support staff can commence. Gallivan did note that the parties have made significant strides toward reaching an agreement and "agrees with the representation of AFT Chapter President Tyrone Molyneaux that the parties are not currently far apart." DOWNLOAD: Salary Comparison
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