Lessons that Rahm Emanuel Can Learn from Teacher Strike

The Chicago Sun Times ^ | September 14, 2012 | Fran Spielman

[PBRCat]

Instead of ridiculing striking teachers for complaining about sweltering schools without air-conditioning, what if Mayor Rahm Emanuel had put his formidable fund-raising skills to work to persuade corporate donors to bankroll school air-conditioners?

Instead of raising the strike threshold and offering cash bounties to entice individual schools to immediately implement his longer school day, what if Emanuel had worked with the Chicago Teachers Union to structure the longer day?

Now that the teachers strike appears to be winding down, there are lessons to be learned for Chicago’s rookie mayor.

Timing is everything. Drop the sarcasm. Don’t over-reach. You’re not as good as you think you are at controlling the message. And above all, stop dictating and start collaborating.

[PBRCat]

One of the few positives that may come out of this futile strike is that it has reinforced the perception that Rahm Emanuel is corrupt and profane dictator. His ugly reputation was well known to those on the right, but he has damaged his standing with Democratic constituencies as well. That's quite an accomplishment in a one party city like Chicago. The next election is not until 2015, but some sources are suggesting that Emanuel could be a one term mayor due to his growing unpopularity, provided he does not find another elective office to run for.

It could not happen to a nicer guy.

[dfwgator]

I hope you’re right, because I thought he had the potential to run for POTUS in 2016.

[molson209]

The teacher strike is not getting any press ,it will be over next week

[PBRCat]

My guess is that classes will resume next week.

[vette6387]

“It could not happen to a nicer guy. “

I agreed with all that you posted, however when it came to what the Teachers Union wanted, I have to say, I could see myself being an Emanuel supporter. Granted he’s no Scott Walker, but he is on the right side of the issue of teacher competence. With the Chicago schools essentially a failure, the idea of teacher accountability and pay for performance, and the converse (firing incompetents) is sorely needed. Nice to see that he has his work cut out for himself.

[NEMDF]

I suppose the structure has to do with Chicago politics, but isn’t there a school board? Where we are, the mayor is not really involved in school issues like this.

[SaraJohnson]

Instead of ridiculing striking teachers for complaining about sweltering schools without air-conditioning, what if Mayor Rahm Emanuel had put his formidable fund-raising skills to work to persuade corporate donors to bankroll school air-conditioners?

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So instead of going towards socialism’s wealth redistribution via taxation, fascism (incorporating the profits of private business into the government) would have been much better.

How about we tell the public school unions we are out of cash and to pay for the air conditioning, they will have to take cuts so we can afford it. Give them what they want. Move money from one line item in the city’s school budget to an air conditioning line item.