The role of the teachers union president: A qualitative study

This study examines the role of teachers union presidents. Fun-time release presidents in middle sized to large sized districts were studied. The study describes the organizational contextual factors which influence the role. It also describes the aspects of the role; what it is they do and why they do it. Finally the study determines the impact of the role on the school district and the teachers union.;Both surveys and field research methods were employed to gather the data. All thirty full-time release presidents in one state in the Pacific Northwest were surveyed. Data analysis began immediately using the constant comparison method. Six presidents were selected to be interviewed based on geographic location, gender, relationship with the district, and experience. Four of their respective superintendents were also interviewed, along with one district's lawyer.;Analysis revealed there are five contextual factors which influence the role played by each of the teachers union presidents in this study. The five contextual factors are: (a) the fiscal well being of the district, or whether or not they have been passing their maintenance/operating levies and construction bonds; (b) the public's view of teachers and teacher unions; (c) the labor-management relationship within their district; (d) the state reform and (e) legislative control over teacher salaries. It was discovered that there were five aspects of the role which were performed by all presidents. These aspects include: (a) Developing, maintaining and managing relationships; (b) Maintaining and interpreting the contract; (c) Improving teaching; (d) Member organizing and (e) Improving the image of teachers. Additionally, linkages between the aspects and their contextual factors are illustrated.;The most interesting discovery was that all participants, including the district lawyer, contend that improving instruction is a primary focus of the presidents, and they are actively involved in counseling weak teachers out of the profession and working with the school district to help remove poor teachers. Also, union dollars are used for training to improve instruction, and many unions have peer evaluation programs.