At 4:00 p.m. today, the Strongsville Education Association (read teachers’ union) will have a special guest joining their cause:
An Ohio Education Association communications specialist for the Strongsville teachers confirmed that former Ohio governor Ted Strickland will speak in support of hundreds of striking Strongsville teachers at 4 p.m. March 8 at Strongsville Commons.
“He’s going to speak on behalf of the teachers,” Shelli Jackson said. “He’s going to try and bring everybody together to boost morale.”
“Boost morale?!” What’s Teddy gonna do? Lose 400,000 more Ohio jobs? A failed Governor with a record of epic job losses isn’t exactly the strongest ally in a fight where teachers are looking to, ya know, keep their jobs.
But not only that, Governor Strickland’s presence at the strike sends the message that Ohio Democrats support the tactics being utilized by the teachers’ union in these negotiations—tactics like canvassing neighborhoods and threatening substitute teachers.
These substitutes are putting their careers on the line to help the true victims in this strike: the kids. Do you think the SEA will allow a substitute that crossed the picket line to ever be hired in the district? Absolutely not, and that’s why the union is doing all they can to harass and intimidate them. But these caring individuals are willing to do what’s best for the students of Strongsville City Schools, come what may.
That’s devotion. That’s courage. That’s the kind of thing that boosts morale.
Perhaps Strickland should pay attention to those in Strongsville that really care about the kids.
