Dear Chamblee newspaper,   

     Wouldn't it be great to have a 2-week break from school a week after you started? No teachers, no rules, no worries? Well, this was reality for the kids who attend Chicago Public Schools. The CPS teachers were fed up with their circumstances; overcrowded classes, poor building conditions, low salary (and based on test scores), possessing the ability to be fired for any reason, and complications with the status of their health benefits. The teachers striked for 2 weeks and recently surrendered this week and returned to work.
    CPS teacher ended their strike yesterday, Sept. 19, 2012. This strike began Sept. 10, 2012. Multple pov's clashed during the strike making it somewhat difficulut to come to a resolution, such as Mayor Emanuel, the teachers, and the parents. Most of the parents were against the strike and felt  it was selfish and untimely. However, teachers felt it was indefinitely necessary, it was for a great cause and they deserved it. Mayor Emanuel claims, "I can't sit here and say within the first five minutes of this contract being  negotiated that I can tell you exactly what's going to happen four or five  months from now." I believe the mayor was being a bit stingy and ungrateful. These are the educators of your city and your hesitant to raise their pay?! I am on the teachers' side. They deserve unwavering pay based on test scores, and solid health benefits. However, there is one reason I find nonsensical, such as, getting fired for no reason. This is something that could happen at any job and is not a substantial reason to strike.
    In conclusion, CPS teachers' strike was undoubtedly not in vain. The victorious teachers received a salary increase and a compromise on other issues with Mayor Emanuel. I am the teachers got some victory out of the deal. Most of the population is relieved by the verdict, especially parents. So what? The CPS teachers, to me, are singing the same tune as Dekalb County and Georgia teachers. If teachers here get taken granted any further, this could a result. Do you believe so? If not, Why?
                                                                                Signed,
                                                                                    Brianna Burger
    

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