Teacher’s Union Head Touts Austin’s Investment in Teachers

By Karen Colbenson, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.

Feb. 22–The leader of Minnesota’s teacher’s union noted Austin’s investments in teachers as a key to a strong school district.

Tom Dooher, president of Education Minnesota, toured Austin Public Schools Thursday. He received briefings on the Hormel Foundation teacher fellowships as well as the district’s all-day kindergarten program.

“You can buy desks and computers, but to invest in a person is the piece that’s been missing for so long,” said Dooher. “I think (the programs) are very exciting. It’s important to get kids ready and starting earlier (in their lives).”

Dooher met with administrators, school board members and some teachers who presented information about some of the newest programs offered in the district.

Education Minnesota, the teachers union state chapter, is based in St. Paul. Dooher, who was elected to the position in March 2007, succeeded longtime president Judy Schaubach.

Superintendent Candace Raskin explained the Hormel Foundation’s $1.3 million grant to provide nearly one-third of the district’s teaching staff with a no-cost opportunity to earn master’s degrees or certification in the subjects of science, math and early education literacy in science.

John Alberts, director of educational services, said although other districts have developed similar programs in the past, they have typically been “reclamation” programs for suffering districts.

“We’re not a district in trouble,” said Alberts. “We’re doing well.”

Tony Einertson, department chair for the Austin High School math department, said the fellowships are going to bring teachers together.

“We’re going to be able to work together, learn together, try things together,” said Einertson. “A lot of teachers are pretty intimidated when another teacher asks (to observe their classroom).”

Dooher, who also toured Woodson Kindergarten Center to learn about their all-day kindergarten program, said getting all Minnesotans to invest in educators is the key to strong districts.

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