A Time To Learn

Education Department Welcomes Educators From Kansas And Students From Australia

On July 2, 11 teachers from school districts in northern Kansas had a chance to learn more about the Teamsters and how they can partner with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to take labor education and career development into the schools.

Associate Director of Education Michael Filler presented an overview of the Teamsters Union and ways in which the Education Department makes a difference with workers and students.

Education Coordinator James Beeharilal and Communications Assistant Sharlene Mentor also gave a presentation on the Skills For Tomorrow project, which is sponsored by the International Union, as well as other Teamster initiatives in the community. Each teacher received a Skills For Tomorrow toolkit that includes a video of Teamster occupations and other materials for use in the classroom. They were also informed about ways local unions in their areas can become involved in the Skills For Tomorrow project.

“The group was very excited about the Teamsters being involved with their children's learning process, said William A. Moore, president of Local 696 in Topeka, Kansas, who organized the visit. “This connection opens up a wide variety of new resources for them to use in the classroom.”

Following the presentations, the Kansas teachers were given a tour of the Teamsters Headquarters building and then treated to lunch in the staff dining room.

Coming To America

On July 7,  the International Union received 38 students along with three professors from the University of Melbourne, Australia, to learn more about organized labor in the United States. The Teamsters Union was one of their first stops on the tour.

The students attended a presentation organized by the Education Department which provided an overview of the Teamsters Union, its history and commitment to educational efforts in the community. The presentation also included discussions on the challenges and opportunities in organizing, strategies for a global economy and legislative issues.

Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Affairs Director Carin Zelenko gave the group a report on a Teamster delegation’s visit to Germany to share information on global transport. Representatives at this meeting included Australian transport union leaders. Teamsters Government Affairs Director Michael Mathis also provided the group with an update on Teamster issues and political considerations.

The group was presented with a variety of materials, including a copy of the Teamsters 100th Anniversary history book, school-to-career materials and information on Teamster occupations. Each professor also received a Skills For Tomorrow toolkit.

“We were all impressed by the aggressiveness and optimism in the presentations. After visiting food banks, soup kitchens and union locals, where the mood was always gloomy and defensive, it was refreshing to find an organization that was ready and willing to take the fight to the employers and the Republicans," said Dr. Glenn Moore, the leader of the group. "Also, many of our students are  impressed with the way Teamsters are teaching young children about unions, and how they shouldn't take existing benefits like weekends off for granted. 

“We enjoy providing opportunities like this for students and educators,” said Beeharilal, who helped coordinate the visits. “It gives us a chance to share the mission and goals of the Teamsters  and provide valuable resources to wider audiences.”

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