PATERSON, N.J. – The teachers union in one of New Jersey’s worst performing school districts is encouraging its members to put in less effort to help struggling students.

The Paterson Education Association asked its members this week to refrain from coming in early or staying after school for students as a negotiating tactic in its long-running contract dispute with the district, NorthJersey.com reports.

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PEA President Peter Tirri told the news site the union is “trying to make the point that we’re tired of working without a contract.”

Paterson schools and the PEA are entering their third year without a new labor contract. The district is under state control because of its poor performance. Tirri contends the state-appointed superintendent of the city’s schools is taking a hard line with the union during contract negotiations in response to pressure from Gov. Chris Christie, according to NorthJersey.com.

“He’s looking for some kind of fight so he can get rid of us,” Tirri said of the Governor.

Perhaps it would be good to “get rid of” Paterson teachers and their union, if they’re going to refuse to provide extra help to their already struggling students.

There is no justifiable reason to punish children for disagreements between the district’s adults, especially in a school system with a history of dismal student academic performance. In 2009-10, only about half of the district’s students were proficient in Math, and about 64 percent in language arts, which was an improvement over previous years, state data shows.

While union officials are focused on settling a contract, school leaders were more concerned with the impact the PEA’s selfish antics will have on the district’s struggling students.

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“I understand the concerns of the teachers about their contract, but I just hope it doesn’t affect their work in the classroom,” board member Manuel Martinez told the news site. “Everyone knows that teaching is not a 9-5 job. You just can’t punch in and out.”

“Not having a contract is a problem, but you have to work through it,” said Errol Kerr, another board member. “If you need to make a statement, you should find a way that doesn’t affect the kids. This is squeezing our kids into a box and that’s not healthy.”

We certainly agree, and hope the union comes to its senses sooner rather than later. The district’s students deserve teachers who are willing to help them when they need it most, whether it’s in class or after the bell rings.

Of course, teachers have the free will to ignore their union’s orders and do the right thing by students. Perhaps the work-to-contract ploy will expose the educators who are truly dedicated to their mission, and those who are more concerned with the size of their paycheck.