Collective bargaining at home
The Wisconsin Parents Association, a homeschool group, estimates that homeschoolers save the state of Wisconsin $25 million per year because taxpayers are not spending that much money on the education of homeschooled children.
Clearly, the answer to the Wisconsin budget crisis (and perhaps California's as well) is to increase the number of children who are homeschooled. The teachers in Wisconsin seem to agree with that notion, as so many of them have left their classrooms lately that classes all over the state end up being canceled.
The good news for all concerned is that the public school children of Wisconsin are getting an education even without setting foot in school. In lieu of classroom time, they are getting a lesson in modern democracy. Their civics teacher — if he showed up for class — might have taught the students about governmental majority rule with respect to the minority.
However, without even diving into a history book, children all over the state of Wisconsin get the opportunity to learn that a democratically elected body can throw a temper tantrum instead of showing up and doing its job. Being in the minority sometimes means that your cause loses, a lesson that seems lost right now.
Collective bargaining rights seem to be at the heart of the issue, and all this talk about collective bargaining for teachers has set me to thinking about my rights, responsibilities and current working conditions as a homeschooling mom.
In our homeschool, collective bargaining is a little different than it is in the public sector. Around here, collective bargaining might be a good description of how the kids gang up on me, lobbying for the perks they feel they deserve. It is a process that never ends. There are calls for longer and more frequent recess breaks. Skipping homework, watching movies and eating a nonstop buffet of sweets are other topics on the bargaining table.
Perhaps I don't fully understand the concept of collective bargaining. A quick Google search showed me some of the benefits that unions negotiate for their employees. Emboldened by the list of perks that I might be missing, I decided that I should discuss my current working conditions with my husband. He is the closest thing to management we've got around here.
My main beef, of course, is working hours. School is always in session, and my students are always with me. Management reminds me that our actual hands-on book time is less than what it might be in a traditional school. Score one for management. I am also reminded that I get to go on field trips at my discretion. I can choose who goes and who stays, too. Another plus, duly noted.
Class size is another sticking point I'd encounter as a public employee in contract negotiations. I've got a great plan in that regard, one I don't want to give up. With only five kids currently of school age, classroom management is a breeze.
I might be inclined to discuss improving my wages if I actually had any. I guess you could say I'm on a delayed compensation plan: My pay can't be measured in terms of a bank account.
Contributing to my retirement plan is simple, too, as long as I don't need to actually pitch in money. I contribute toward my plan every day — baking cookies, kissing owies and teaching responsibility along with our math and history lessons. Then I tell my children that I expect them to take care of me in my old age. They can't argue with their mouths full of cookies.
Thinking it over, I have no complaints. Sure, the pay is lousy, if you measure it in dollars, but the benefits are priceless. Besides — by now, I have tenure.
Rose Godfrey is a speech pathologist and homeschooling mom in Hallwood. Her homeschool blog can be found on the Appeal-Democrat website at www.appealdemocrat.com.
