so, it's november 15th.

So it is. today is the last day of my 15 day window to revoke my union membership.

Obviously that is impossible. I have heard nothing since I left work on Friday. Fabulous.

It's too bad I hate DCTA (Denver Classroom Teachers Association) - I was raised in a union loving home. Teacher's should not have labor unions however, we are not laborers. We are professionals. The DCTA does not act like we are professionals.

DCTA worries about career teachers - whom I have nothing against, in general. Obviously, I live with one, and she is an amazing exception to the what I am about to say. But 85% of so called "career teachers" are crap. Maybe more, I really have only met like 2 that are great. If you ask me, if you have been teaching for 10 to 15 + years, you had better be more than average. But most I meet are not even average. They do not deserve to earn more than me or many other first 10 years of teaching teachers that I have come across.

We should pay teachers for being successful. When doctors don't operate correctly or to the best of their ability, they don't get patients or they lose millions in malpractice. When lawyers don't win cases, they lose clients, and money. When businessmen are unsuccessful, they lose money.

What about teachers???? A teacher could make no significant gains with their students for 10 years and still get paid even more money the next year. It is appalling, and DCTA protects these teachers. These teachers should be fired - and principals should feel like they can fire these people without the wrath of an incompetent union coming down on them. Average doesn't cut it when you have an achievement gap running rampant in the US like we do.

I get appalled at teachers I see and I am told that they are nothing compared to what is out there in other schools. It makes me furious.

And the worst part? I give 62.50 a month to an organization that supports these pathetic excuses for teachers - that even writes letters to the DPS board and superintendent that includes a list of reasons why not to pass the current Denver plan that includes "Disrespecting career teachers and further eroding the incentives for staying in the profession."

ummm... I DON'T WANT TO STAY IN THE PROFESSION BECAUSE OF THE DCTA AND THE 85% of THOSE RIDICULOUSLY INCOMPETENT CAREER TEACHERS THAT THE DCTA PROTECTS.

I really do love teachers, at least the ones that are capable and make significant gains every year. Some of those are career teachers - and they are incredible. But many are not, and they should not be earning pennies in comparison to teachers that truly are not making a difference.

And they definitely should be forced to pay 62.50 a month to a union that supports NOTHING that they stand for.