Unionizing KIPP

On Tuesday afternoon I read an article in the New York Times titled, “Charter Schools Weigh Freedom Against the Protection of a Union.” The article went on to detail the condition of a New York City KIPP school—KIPP AMP—that has become involved in the process of unionization. According to Kashi Nelson, a teacher at KIPP AMP, the unionization process began because of frustrations that developed over administrators misusing teachers’ time and failing to provide clear expectations and consequences to the staff. Essentially, an unchecked abuse of power seemed to be taking place. The article posited that union supporters continue to worry that charter schools “take advantage of young rookies, whose boundless energy fuels them for a couple of years of long hours at low pay but quickly turns to bitter burnout.” Arguably, this statement may be close to the truth for some, but far from it for others. At times, it does seem that union affiliations can slow down necessary processes. On the other hand, teachers are people too—shouldn’t their rights be protected if they’re performing correctly?


After reading Work Hard. Be Nice., which detailed the formation of KIPP charter schools, and Whatever it Takes, which explained the creation of the Harlem Children’s Zone, it seems that one of the greatest strengths of charter schools is their ability to make difficult decisions rapidly to ensure results. The KIPP brand is definitely an academic force to be reckoned with in Baltimore when standardized test scores are considered. In some respects, school leaders are able to maintain high standards because they are free of many stifling contractual obligations. Yet, one should worry when a teacher’s willingness to do whatever is necessary to ensure students’ success is abused or taken for granted.