Friday, February 6, 2009

My Message to Young Teachers

My name is Corban Van Dam and I am a Business Teacher and the IB Coordinator at WOHS. I have 7 years of teaching experience. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degree from Western Michigan University.

I currently serve as the HS Bargaining Team Representative. I come from a non-union background so when I began my teaching career, I knew very little about unions. I decided that I needed to become involved in our local association in order to learn more about our organization. Honestly, I just wanted to know the purpose of a union! I started by serving as an Association Representative. I also attended a variety of training sessions held by our local and by the regional MEA office. Approximately three years ago, I became one of the HS Reps.

I have learned SO much about our school system and how to ensure that all members have access to due process and just cause. I would encourage all WOEA members to think about how you can become involved in our union.

To young teachers : our generation is the future of this organization. We need to learn about the process of bargaining, labor practices, etc. from our experienced colleagues. They have a wealth of knowledge to share!

If you have any questions about how you can become involved in the WOEA, see an AR or your bargaining team rep. Or send an email to woeateachers@gmail.com

Respectfully,
Corban Van Dam

Facebook, YouTube and the WOEA

Facebook Update: A West Ottawa Education Association Group has been created on Facebook. Join the group today!

YouTube Update: A YouTube channel has been created for the WOEA. Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/woeateachers to check out the channel.

Email Address: woeateachers@gmail.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009

2009 MEA Bargaining Conference

Welcome to West Ottawa Education Association's New Blog!

The Executive Officers and PR & R team are very excited about the possibilities this communication tool offers our members. This blog can be updated and accessed regularly in order to keep our members current and up-to-date about news and information relevant to them. It can also be a means for sharing with our community all the great things West Ottawa teachers are doing to serve our students and our community.