Seattle Schools and its educators are in contract talks

Seattle Public Schools and its teachers union are hammering out a new contract this summer.

The Seattle Education Association represents teachers and school support staff. Union Vice-President Uti Hawkins said the stresses of the pandemic have made teaching even harder, and that nearly all of their educators report working unpaid hours.

“To be an educator really needs some incentivizing right now, our districts, our public schools need to showcase how they honor and appreciate educators, not just call them heroes, and not just thank them afterwards.”

Seattle Schools spokesperson Tim Robinson declined an interview during bargaining.

In a statement, the district said it has its own set of priorities including supporting students of color, making classes more inclusive for students learning English and those with disabilities, and keeping staffing levels stable throughout the year.

Although contract negotiations in recent years have included a focus on Covid health and safety protocols, Hawkins said she thinks the district and its union "are in a good place" in that regard contractually, and that this bargain will not need to focus on preventing Covid in schools.