Causes and Consequences of Contemporary Teacher Strikes: A Systematic Review of Research on Pre-K–12 Teacher Activism in the United States

• In Event: Organizing Teacher Leaders for Change

Abstract

Despite the political gains achieved by recent teacher strikes, there is nevertheless an underlying debate as to whether they are beneficial for teachers and students. A substantive literature has explored the extent to which teacher unionization, and collective bargaining more broadly, improves teacher working conditions and affects student education outcomes. Prior research indicates work disruptions due to daily and extended leaves of absence among teachers negatively affect student achievement, implying disruptions due to school closures associated with teacher strikes may have similar negative effects. This study examines the nature and consequences of teacher labor movements within the U.S, asking and answering: What are the main causes and consequences of contemporary teacher strikes in the U.S. as examined in scholarly studies?

Authors

• Tuan D Nguyen, Kansas State University

• Luis Alberto Rodriguez, New York University

• Chanh Bao Lam, Kansas State University

• Carlos Angeles