Can anything be done to strengthen teacher unions?

Question

Can anything be done to strengthen teacher unions?
Is there a way possible that the teacher union could take responsibility to eradicate bad teachers (since they make it so hard for anyone to fire them)?
Can/should teacher unions do their own comprehensive evaluations on ALL teachers? It seems like unions make it harder for new teachers to enter the field, but make it like cake for teachers who have been in for years, even though they may not be productive.
I've had a lot of sucky teachers. Busywork, letting us do whatever as long as we're moderately quiet, not really learning anything, either because they're burnt-out or because you're just counting down the years to retirement. WE FEEL/FELT THAT!!!
Consequently, do the teacher unions sponsor continuing education? If the unions are to protect the jobs of teachers they should also protect the integrity of teachers and for the most part, the country doesn't think they are doing a good job of doing so.

Answer 1

Don't waste your time, the teachers union has gone the way of most other jurisdictional organizations. Once power is established and becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, it is nearly impossible to dislodge.
First, you have to realize that the primary purpose of the present education system in the United States is to provide jobs for teachers. Once you realize this, all of the other goings on begin to make sense.
To better understand, research how much of the union funds pay for defeating vouchers, home schooling and tuition tax credits each of which would provide for better education at no increase in cost.

Answer 2

Teacher associations do sponsor continuing education, publish professional journals and books, have websites that provide ideas for teaching and classroom management.

Can associations monitor teachers? The association members in a school can certainly encourage colleagues to maintain professional practices, but monitoring and evaluation really is the responsibility of the school administrators.

If you feel your teacher is not doing what he or she should in the classroom, you have the right and responisibility to discuss it with your principal. Be sure that you have proof to back up your complaints and don't be complaining just because you got a bad grade on some of your work, or that you don't want to do the work you've been assigned.

Be specific in what you think makes a "bad" teacher.

Believe me, good teachers want themselves and other teachers to be top-notch.

Good luck