In order to understand the negotiations between teachers, support personnel, and school districts, citizens must recognize that the educators’ proximity allows for an informed evaluation of the efficiency, distribution of resources, and politics within the district.

We can’t assume that the conflict with teachers, administration, and boards is a result of self-interested, money-hungry teachers versus stewards of the public trust. Such divisions are never that clear.

Consider the following example of the proverbial “speck” and “log.”