Readers say

More than 570 readers responded to our survey. Here’s what they want to see change for public school educators.

Educators in Marblehead, Beverly and Gloucester remained steadfast in their separate teacher strikes Tuesday, despite Boston.com readers’ disapproval of the strikes.

Teachers’ unions are calling for higher salaries for teachers and paraprofessionals, better paid parental leave benefits and other issues such as school safety and class sizes. Unions should gathering Tuesday at the State House in Boston.

All three unions — the Beverly Teachers Association, the Marblehead Education Association and the Union of Gloucester Educators — belong to the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which lobbied on Beacon Hill for the right to strike. It is illegal for teachers to strike in Massachusetts, a move that Boston.com Reader Support (though not from far). A judge ordered the Gloucester and Beverly teachers unions to pay a $50,000 fine if the strike was not called off. Fines increase by $10,000 each day the strike continues.

When we asked Boston.com readers To weigh in on teacher strikes, 572 respondents voted in our survey. The majority (62%) said they disagreed with the strikes, while 35% said they agreed. Only 3% say they are undecided.

Many of those who disagreed with our poll said they thought the strikes were more harmful than helpful, especially for students affected by school closures. Students in Beverly and Gloucester have been out of school since November 8, while students in Marblehead have been out of school since November 12 due to strikes.

“Do these teachers and paraprofessionals realize the burden they are placing on parents? Why don’t they demonstrate in the summer or during one of their vacation weeks? And the students? They deserve their education and need to keep it on track,” said reader Amanda J. of Milton.

Some readers have gone so far as to call for the dissolution of teachers’ unions.

“I don’t believe government employees like teachers should be unionized, they have too much power. Especially now without MCASthere is no accountability,” said reader John of Woburn, adding that “(educators) could have struck over the summer, but they always wait until school is in session to strike, even if it is illegal for them. »

But supporters of the strikes said such action was necessary — even necessary — to bring substantive change to the profession, which many say has “long been disrespected, ignored and taken for granted.”

“If the hundreds of supporters at BTA rallies don’t move (Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill) and the school committee, what will? Beverly residents clearly want our teachers to have everything they need! This strike is so important in today’s political climate. This is real power to the people,” said reader Claire de Beverly.

Reader Brad W. of Beverly, who said he has three children in Beverly Public Schools, said he hopes the strike can serve as an example to other school districts around the state seeking to bring similar changes.

“My hope (is) that the new contract in Beverly will honor the dignity of our educators and be a model for the state. I want other districts across the Commonwealth to see Beverly as a leader who truly cares for its youngest citizens by offering educators a fair and equitable contract,” he said.

Below, readers for and against the North Shore teacher strikes share the changes they would like to see for education and public school educators.

What changes would you like to see made to public school educators?

I don’t agree with strikes. These are the changes I want to see.

“Wait until the next contract to negotiate. Why weren’t these issues debated more harshly in recent contract negotiations? For a “school” of educators, this does not seem very well thought out given the fines incurred.” – Adam, Beverly

“Open more charter schools. The recent removal of any form of educational standards in the November election is another example of the lack of accountability for our children’s outcomes. Start by making these jobs less protected and more competitive. This does not mean lowering wages. This means less protected, less empowered and guaranteed roles. Start by holding school boards and teachers accountable for results. Start by having real performance standards and a curriculum that doesn’t teach ideology, but teaches the skills these kids need to compete in a global workforce. – Joe P., Hanover

“(Introduce) binding arbitration!” Let both sides plead their case. Let a three-member committee decide the answer. These strikes are against the law. Teachers do not show their students how to be good, law-abiding role models. – Tim, Medway

“Dissolve the union. Pay off the defined benefit plan and create a 401k for teachers to invest in, which would eliminate the growing liability that is crushing these local towns and create a work environment where teachers are ranked and rated each year based on their results. – Tim, Andover

“That the State Legislature (House) shall stipulate the percentage salary increase for all public schools in the State each year in November (by county), to be instituted the following school year in September. Allow everyone (public, unions, parents, teachers, etc.) to put pressure on the legislature to obtain a fair and appropriate annual rate! » – George, Foxborough

“I would like to see guidance from the state on teacher salaries. It feels like every teachers union just points to other districts as the reason they need a pay raise, which just creates a vicious cycle. Everyone needs a raise because the town next door just negotiated a raise – and we’re going around in circles! – Mark, Boston

“Nothing (should change for public school educators) – they already get a fair deal. The strikes are ridiculous. I am a non-union employee with a similar salary to the protesters, working a second job to make ends meet. Local municipalities are so strained by the exaggerated demands and demands made by teachers’ unions during negotiations.” – Matthew, Amesbury

I agree with the strikes. These are the changes I want to see.

“Those who are responsible for caring for and educating the most vulnerable members of our society deserve the right to a living wage and to be able to care for their families. A budget is a moral document that indicates what a community and its leaders value and prioritize. If we want to be a community that truly values ​​education, we must ensure our educators are taken care of. – John M., Beverly

“Paraprofessionals deserve a decent salary!” They should be able to afford to live in the very community where they work, and to be able to do that, they need to earn a living! » – Amy B., Beverly

“The funding model needs to be changed so that 1.) teachers and paraprofessionals are paid based on their professional status and training, and 2.) teachers and paraprofessionals do not need to beg salary increases, better working conditions and the like. Ultimately, those who don’t think teachers and paraprofessionals aren’t worth a lot more money just need to spend a few days in the classroom! They will then know that this job is not an 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. job. » – Peter F., Marblehead

“Paraprofessionals do incredibly important and difficult work to make schools work for all students – especially for students who receive special education services. For all school staff, a humane, paid parental leave policy is long overdue across this state. It is a travesty that the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) specifically exempts municipal employees from coverage, forcing teachers to take unpaid leave to care for a new child, even if they can afford to start a family. – DJ, Swampscott

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Annie Jonas is a community editor at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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