Dearborn teachers’ union warns of staffing strain and urges district to prioritize people and supports

Cathy Martin, representing the Dearborn Federation of Teachers, delivered a lengthy address focused on workforce conditions, classroom realities and staff morale. "The demands have multiplied, but the time and the support has not," Martin said, citing higher expectations for differentiated instruction, social-emotional supports and data-driven initiatives without commensurate increases in time or staffing.

Martin highlighted recent resignations and early retirements and urged trustees to increase direct understanding of classroom conditions — for example, by spending time in schools — and to treat educators with "respect and compassion." She argued that some personnel actions catalogued in management reports are demoralizing and that improving collegial communication and support is a low-cost way to retain staff.

Board members thanked Martin and said they would continue dialog; the chair reiterated an open-door policy and emphasized respect as a core district value. The union's remarks were part of the meeting's new "Union Leadership Commentary" agenda item and did not trigger any immediate board action but framed later trustee questions about staffing and the audit's personnel figures.