U-46 teachers plead case

A second group of Elgin Area School District U-46 educators addressed the school board Monday, listing the concerns that led a narrow majority of district teachers to reject a tentative contract deal last month.

The emotions weren't as raw as those expressed at the last board meeting, but teachers were just as passionate about the needs of students.

Some union members wore blue T-shirts that read: "The 3 R's for U-46: Respect opinions of teachers + Reduce large class sizes = Retain quality educators."

Last week, Elgin Teachers Association President Tim Davis called on teachers to tell the school board how large class sizes were affecting students.

The teachers who volunteered emphasized they were speaking on behalf of their students.

"I'm here to be their voice," said Oakhill Elementary School teacher Beverly Owens. Owens said the number of students in her class prevents her from giving students, students with and without special needs, the individual attention they deserve.

Teachers have said the tentative deal -- which called for additional aides at the middle and high school level but not for class size caps -- did not adequately address the problem of large class sizes.

Canton Middle School teacher Alan Jurgensen said nearly all the students in his team are failing or in danger of failing to meet standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Until the school board addresses class sizes, Jurgensen said, students will be left behind.

Physical education teacher Shannon Pennington said the class size problem is particularly acute in physical education classes, which have target class sizes of 40 students.

Pennington estimated she has 45 seconds of individual time with each student. Standardized test scores won't matter much, Pennington said, if students are unhealthy.

Eddie Miranda, who delivered an impassioned speech at the previous board meeting, said Monday teachers have realized "we have to put some actions behind our words.

"We're optimistic that our voices are finally being heard," Miranda said.