Dear TSTA/TFA:
Now that my case against STCC has been settled, I am sending you a final thank you for your professional support.
I was reminded of the excellent work TSTA and TFA do in the state of Texas when this morning I read an article in the Rochester Post Bulletin (January 29, 2003) about the report on teacher shortages issued by the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future. In the report, Jim Hunt, the commission chairman and former four-term governor of North Carolina, states:
“We get all hot and bothered at the beginning of the school year when we don’t have enough good teachers. In fact, the year before, we should have been focusing on improving working conditions in the school, having greater career opportunities for teachers, having the right pay for them, and showing the right kind of appreciation.”
Your work to improve conditions for the teachers of Texas is so essential and valuable.
The professional guidance and legal representation you provided for me are an indication of your profound commitment to educators in Texas, and I know that I am just one of many, many teachers you have served.
The TFA representative at STCC, Mary Aldridge, provided all of the appropriate guidance and legal documentation in an attempt to resolve the situation. When she was essentially ignored by the STCC administration, I know that she received effective guidance from the TFA leadership in Austin.
When my contract was not renewed, I was stunned. When TFA requested that the TSTA legal department review my case for possible representation, I was relieved that I had an opportunity to be vindicated. Charles Zucker was most helpful and supportive. Throughout the grievance process, I was impressed by the professionalism of the leadership and the entire staff of TFA.
TSTA attorney Michael Shirk led the full legal case against STCC on my behalf. Mr. Shirk provided incredible legal support throughout the case, diligently and tenaciously pursuing my full relief. Mr. Shirk was always attentive to my needs and desires throughout the case, and always kept me fully informed about the events taking place in his persistent intent to resolve the case.
Mr. Shirk always made it quite clear that as an attorney, he was representing me, and that my wishes would be respected throughout the case.
My family and I loved South Texas, and we miss the many good friends that we left behind. At times I reflect on my work at STCC and am disappointed that STCC administration would have ever treated any faculty as I was treated, and as dozens of other instructors have also been treated. This loss of some of STCC’s best faculty is surely a loss for the Rio Grande Valley. Surely, TFA/TSTA representation of faculty is a bright light of hope that professionalism will, in the end, prevail.
So, the long journey to vindicate my reputation has been resolved, and resolved as I requested. I could never have afforded the immense legal fees that would have been required to settle this case if I had not had legal representation by TSTA. I would never have found an attorney as effective or as persistent as Mr. Michael Shirk. I feel vindicated and deeply gratified.
I am teaching English and Humanities at Rochester Community College, and collective bargaining and shared-governance is mandated throughout the state. I am serving as the campus leader for the Center for Teaching and Learning, a statewide consortium for faculty development. In this position I have linked with the community of Rochester on a new initiative, “Rochester Reads,” and the community has elected to read the same common book that we’ve been using at our campus this year. This exciting initiative will include numerous activities linking the community to our college. I am a presenter for the Metro Alliance of College Faculty on “Recognizing Student Potential.” I am enjoying many opportunities to continue developing my career and help heighten opportunities for success for our students.
Again, thank you TFA/TSTA for your excellent work on
my behalf.
With best regards,
Kathleen Dahl
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