Labor Relations in Education: Policies, Politics, and Practices

Both new and experienced education practitioners have something to gain by reading Labor Relations in Education. For those new to the collective bargaining experience, DeMitchell makes the process come alive. The use of an intense, well-developed bargaining simulation is DeMitchell”s primary vehicle for achieving this goal. But in addition to bringing the bargaining table to the reader, DeMitchell pushes practitioners to think about the relationship between the collective bargaining process and achieving school reform. For any educator with the hope of using the bargaining process as a means to reforming his or her school district, I recommend you start with this book. — Mark A. Paige, school law attorney, Drummond Woodsum Law Firm, Portsmouth, NH

This book is unique in the artful manner it combines the legal and political history of labor relations in education with practical advice for negotiating and managing labor contracts. Moreover, in each chapter DeMitchell quickly focuses the reader on the policies, laws, ideas, and history most essential to understanding this subject. His chapter about how teachers reconcile their professional status with union membership provides key insights into the complexity of union dynamics at the school and district level. If you read only one book on labor relations in the school environment, this should be the one. — Mark Conrad, superintendent of schools, Nashua, NH, and former school business administrator

School administrators who are either experts or novices at the bargaining table will eagerly embrace Todd DeMitchell”s new book. It is a relevant and important contribution to one of the most essential and often vexing aspects of public school administration. Clearly written, devoid of jargon and legalese, Labor Relations in Education is filled with nuts and bolts information, timely advice, and personal tidbits from an author with unique experience on all sides of the table. DeMitchell uses an historical context to frame a contemporary discussion about the role teachers and unions play in creating change in public schools and the necessary partnership with school leaders that change requires. Using a case study simulation, DeMitchell demystifies the bargaining process and guides the reader through planning, preparation, bargaining, table talk, and settlement. — Cecilia M. Di Bella, superintendent of schools, Sutton Public Schools, Massachusetts; former member, Association of School Business Officials Editori