July 20

Class was good. The presentation was very informative and like many others have commented, good negotiations start way before anything formal. Honest, trustworthy, straightforward relations get the job done. Our negotiation simulation went well. Our groups work well together and serve as an example of just how smooth things really can go. I am learning a lot about the process, in particular the tricks of the trade such as what 1% on the base will do the whole index. Going through this process for real will serve as the best learning tool. My district negotiates this coming year, so it will be interesting to see how things work out.