Teachers union made the right choice

I disagree with your Nov. 3 editorial that found fault with the Glendale Teachers Assn. I praise them for their principled decision; it could not have been an easy one for them to make. Teachers are the invaluable asset in the effort to foster an informed society that can function in a fair-minded, civil and democratic manner.

My 13-plus years as a Glendale Unified parent have been memorable. I have consistently witnessed the steadfast dedication, effective skills, creativity and resourcefulness of the dozens of teachers in our local elementary, middle and high schools who taught my sons on a wide range of subjects, from physical education to physics. With rare exception, each teacher regularly put heart and soul — and untold “extra hours” — into her or his efforts in the classroom. In a sense, these professionals are my coparents; I could never thank them enough. And, from what I have heard from other families, my sons’ teachers are not unique in GUSD; they are the norm.

In contrast, on too many occasions over the past 13 years, my dissatisfaction with administrative and board actions of GUSD has surpassed mere disappointment. It is, therefore, understandable to me that the Glendale Teachers Assn. could not find sufficient assurance that equivalent benefit would, ultimately, accrue to the school district’s mission of educating students by signing off on the GUSD “Race to the Top” application.

Maggie O’Rourke
La Crescenta