Reflection on First Day of EDL 623

It has been several years since I was actively involved of a negotiations process. Furthermore, I was a teacher during these negotiatians. Therefore, it is very interesting and enlightening to discuss the negotiations process from the viewpoint of administration/management. The "war stories" shared by the instructor and other students are helpful in understanding the many facets in negotiations, as well as the possible obstacles that can be faced during the process. A key point that was made, which I believe will help in the negotiations process, is the need to establish and maintain trust. Moreover, the information on the litigation in the United States reinforced the need to negotiate a thorough contract that will hopefully help avoid the disagreements which could negatively impact the education of the students. I think that it will be interesting to compare the collective bargaining processes of Illinois and Iowa. The simulation should help provide a better understanding of the processes and all of the various requirements involved in producing an effective contract.