SDACT History
In 1978, lay teachers at Bishop Hoban, Bishop O'Reilly and Bishops Hannan/Klonowski High Schools formed the first teachers' unions in the Diocese of Scranton. In 1981 these organizations, realizing their common problems, came together to work toward a common solution. Out of this unity came the organization called the SCRANTON DIOCESE ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC TEACHERS (SDACT).
SDACT is a professional association of Catholic school lay teachers. It seeks to promote the total growth and well-being of each individual teacher. SDACT grew because our members themselves were concerned. They wanted to become more professional, to improve themselves, as well as to insist upon certain educational and personal standards within their ranks.
As it does now, economics played an important part in the formative days of the SDACT, and teachers saw substantial improvements to salary and benefits. But more was at stake than economic issues. Teachers demanded their rights to fair employment practices and better working conditions. They demanded tenure, established standards for work loads, sick leave, and a just grievance procedure. They spoke out and they were heard. They became recognized as professionals within the community.
Today, the SDACT is acknowledged as the official voice of the lay teacher throughout the Catholic community. The commitment of the SDACT to the future of Catholic education is evident. The SDACT is dedicated to better education in Catholic Schools by constantly striving to improve the professional, social, spiritual, and economic status of lay teachers - the key to effective education.
