This paper presents case studies of teacher union-government relationships in three Canadian provinces -- British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta -- where teacher organizations have undertaken divergent strategic positions relative to educational reform. It identifies critical factors that may lead teacher unions to challenge government reforms,…

Describes how teachers' evaluation of unions is constructed by historical, organizational, and social features of teachers' work and varies markedly across schools and districts. Presents the contrasting views of teachers in two comprehensive California high schools and considers the consequences of these evaluations for unions' recent strategy…

Teacher unions have faced significant criticism since their emergence three decades ago, resulting in serious reductions in their roles. Now, they are working to transform themselves, supporting educational reform initiatives while maintaining their advocacy role for teachers. The paper examines political, social, and organizational factors that…

Analyses of the union-related work of 35 teachers in 10 U.S. and Canadian school districts reveal how teachers' practical and ideological concerns encourage assumption of organizational and political roles, and how this work provides access to information, resources, and influence. Discusses constraints and opportunities related to challenging the…

Discusses benefits of union affiliation and involvement for women teachers, interpreting data from studies that explored the value of unionism to secondary teachers and researched the work and motives of union-active teachers. Women teachers' motives for union involvement and the gendered nature of their experiences regarding unions offer useful…

Trust agreements are cooperative arrangements supported by the school district and teachers' union leadership to promote local educational reforms. The ability of trust agreements to establish local professional cultures that support innovative teaching in California is examined in this paper. Included are: (1) an outline of the logic that links…

The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the role of teachers' unions in three high schools located in different school districts in California. The cases and subsequent discussion were derived from analysis of data from in-depth interviews with teachers, administrators, and union leaders. Questions focused on issues of teachers'…

This report looks at and identifies emerging trends in the roles that teacher unions play in educational reform and improving the quality of teaching. A description of the efforts of six teacher unions to improve teacher quality within the context of the current systemic reform movement shows a range and depth of union initiatives beyond what is…

Establishing and sustaining quality teaching is equally dependent on the capacity of organizations and networks at regional, district and school levels to productively engage in improvement efforts that are realized in the classroom. The "teacher workforce" evokes military and industrial images, huge numbers of workers who must be trained,…