Vote No on Amendment 1

VOTE NO on Amendment 1

Editor:

Eleven years ago, I found myself in front of a classroom of fourth graders as a brand new teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools. I was eager and determined to deliver the best instruction and prepare my students to become engaged citizens. I quickly learned that I needed the mentorship and support of other teachers and the ability to join my fellow educators to advocate for my students with a collective voice.

Amendment 1 would change the Constitution of Virginia to include dangerous laws that would make it harder for teachers to advocate for their students. As the professionals who work with students each day, teachers know what their students need to be successful and their experience should be the driving force behind policies that affect public education. Amendment 1 would silence teacher’s voices and give the decision–making power to businessmen and politicians.

A teacher’s working conditions are our student’s learning conditions. Amendment 1 is designed to make it harder for teachers and other workers to negotiate for better working conditions. Stripping teachers of this ability will erode the quality of education in our schools and our communities.

Our students deserve teachers who can advocate for them. Our teachers deserve to be respected and treated as professionals.

Please join me this November to vote NO on Amendment 1.

Jessica Bowser

Alexandria, VA