by CLOVA
Email from The Center For Education Reform: The web site is www.edreform.com “ARCHDUKE OF THE DEMOCRATIC CLAN.”
That’s what his political consultant partner lovingly labeled the new head of the National Education Association (NEA), John Stocks. It gets better. Jim Messina, President Barack Obama’s campaign manager announced that Stocks is “one of the smartest political operatives in the country.” With emphasis, he added that Stock’s “promotion was one of the biggest no-brainers in American politics.” That’s right. American politics. Not American education. Unions nationwide are up against the ropes.
So for the sake of self-preservation it makes sense to anoint a leader whose strength is political organizing. Problem is education is about students, some who struggle for various reasons to learn. It’s about schools that for years and years and in too many cities and towns to count have refused to tap the research and improve the product they deliver. It’s about teachers who want to work as professionals, but are tripped up by hundreds of pages of work rules.
Stock’s elevation in the NEA signals loud and clear that elections are around the corner and the teachers’ union is going to devote itself to winning elections, rather than focus on improving schools. Archduke? Seems more like a Duke of hazard for meaningful reform to boost student learning.
thanks Clova, I’m frustrated about this issue. I have two heading into college, and I’m wondering, what am I paying for?
Brainwashing?
Clova excellent post!
I’ve had many good friends over the years who were dedicated teachers but chose to go into another profession because of the politics, bureaucracy and central planning aspect of the federal education system. It’s so disheartening to realize that some of our very best teachers choose to leave and that those who do remain have their hands tied with little authority in their own classrooms.
Not all schools are horrible and many teachers do a fine job despite the bureaucrats and the politics but obviously we could be doing so much better for the children of America.
I’m so glad you’re speaking out on this issue.