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Teachers’ unions prioritize progressive issues like court packing and climate change while test scores decline.

NEA,⁤ AFT‌ Harness Summer Gatherings to Amplify ‘Political Power,’ Critics Allege

Randi ⁤Weingarten (Getty Images)

As the summer season unfolded,‌ the largest teachers’ unions in the ​country, NEA‌ and AFT, utilized their‍ gatherings to not only ⁢prepare for the upcoming school ⁢year but also‌ to advocate⁣ for their political agenda, much to the ‌dismay of their critics.

During the ⁤NEA’s national conference in July, a‌ series of “new business items” were unveiled,⁤ which included urging President Joe Biden⁤ to expand the Supreme Court ‌and grant⁢ asylum to all ⁢illegal migrants ⁢in order ⁤to “restore American‌ democracy.” Shortly after, the AFT held its own summer ​gathering, where union ⁢leaders participated in training sessions focused on integrating climate change into teaching and affirming‌ LGBTQIA+ identities in and out of the classroom. NEA President Becky Pringle, in her conference keynote speech, boldly called out politicians​ and pundits for their failure⁣ to address gun violence and argued that America is fundamentally inequitable.

It is worth noting that these unions’ emphasis on‌ left-wing‍ politics ‌coincided with the release of the National Assessment ⁤of Educational Progress reports, which⁢ revealed distressingly low student achievement scores. Proficiency in history⁣ for eighth graders hit an all-time low, while reading and math scores for 13-year-olds plummeted ⁢to levels not seen in decades. Despite​ these⁢ alarming statistics, NEA and AFT leaders dedicated a significant portion⁤ of their time to discussing how⁢ to inject liberal priorities into classrooms. This decision has‌ left advocates for parental rights deeply concerned,⁣ as it demonstrates that⁤ the top teachers’ unions are failing the nation’s children.

“We have witnessed the teachers’ ⁢unions prioritize political power and ‍influence for the Democratic Party over⁣ advancing educational opportunities,” expressed a ​spokesperson for the Institute for Educational Reform to the Washington Free Beacon. “Unfortunately, it ⁢is the ⁤children who suffer the most when their education becomes the lowest priority on the agenda.”

Both the NEA and AFT declined to‌ comment when approached for a response.

In addition to court packing and citizenship for ⁤illegal immigrants, the ⁤NEA’s⁢ July “business items” also included a ​call for teachers to⁤ raise awareness about​ the struggles faced by the Palestinian people.⁣ According ​to a document obtained by RealClearEducation, many educators are unaware⁤ of the existence of Palestine. Furthermore, the NEA’s⁢ policy statements, developed for its July convention, ​reaffirmed​ the union’s strong support for​ affirmative action​ in employment.

A month prior to the ⁣convention, the⁢ union⁤ released a gender identity “toolkit” that ⁣instructs teachers to avoid assuming pronouns and argues that using ⁤incorrect pronouns is unsafe for​ gender diverse individuals. It also emphasizes⁣ an intersectional​ focus on racial​ justice ⁤as ⁢part of ‍the union’s commitment to‍ practicing anti-racism.

AFT President Randi Weingarten also dedicated a significant portion of her summer to engaging in liberal political issues. In July, she ⁢called for a “general strike” in Israel following the passage of a judicial ⁣reform bill, pledging the union’s unwavering support for the bill’s critics.

When discussing the issue‍ of learning loss in schools, Weingarten primarily focused on defending her role⁤ in prompting it. During her ​congressional testimony in April, she portrayed ‍herself as a staunch advocate for school reopenings, claiming that she had been tirelessly working towards that goal since February. However, ⁢it is worth noting that Weingarten had ‌previously criticized the push to reopen schools in 2020, labeling it as reckless, callous, and cruel. Subsequent⁢ studies have shown that ⁣remote learning had a detrimental impact on academic achievement.

“The disastrous era of school closures has taught us ⁣that​ teachers’ unions prioritize⁣ their own political agendas and power over the math skills and reading proficiency of America’s ‍students,” remarked Michele Exner, the Director of Federal Affairs at ‌Parents Defending​ Education, to the ‍Free Beacon.

The ‌NEA and AFT’s left-wing advocacy has often trickled down to their local ⁤chapters. For instance, the Portland ​Association of Teachers, affiliated ‌with the NEA, has ⁣threatened to strike if their district refuses to provide subsidized housing for ⁣underprivileged families and advocate for expanded rent control, among ⁣other measures deemed to be for the common good. Similarly, the Oakland Education Association,‌ another NEA affiliate, submitted a proposal calling for reparations ‌for black students, an expanded environmental justice curriculum, and a significant reduction‌ in testing. The union argued that these measures would ‍contribute to the creation of truly joyful, safe, ‌and⁢ racially just schools where everyone can ⁤thrive and where equity‌ is at the forefront of decision-making.

Are the NEA and​ AFT justified in their ​argument that promoting diverse perspectives and inclusive teaching practices is necessary to address systemic inequities, or⁢ should ⁣teachers primarily focus ‍on providing quality⁣ education and preparing students for academic success

Ent Randi Weingarten,⁤ in her own gathering, stressed⁣ the importance of addressing climate change in the classroom and advocated⁤ for comprehensive sex⁢ education, including discussions of LGBTQIA+ identities. She argued⁣ that these topics are essential to creating inclusive and safe learning⁢ environments. However, critics argue⁣ that these unions are prioritizing political ideologies over the well-being and academic success of ⁤students.

Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding critical race​ theory,⁢ the NEA and ⁢AFT⁣ have come⁤ under scrutiny for their role in promoting it. Some critics‌ argue⁣ that these unions are⁣ advocating⁤ for a ​divisive and ideologically driven curriculum that focuses‍ on ‌identity politics rather than on core academic subjects. They argue⁣ that students should be taught objective historical facts and ⁣critical thinking skills, rather than being indoctrinated with a specific ideology.

In response to these criticisms, NEA and AFT leaders argue⁤⁢ that their unions are committed to social justice⁢ and equality, and that promoting diverse perspectives and inclusive teaching practices is vital for creating‍ equitable learning environments. They maintain that their advocacy⁣ is necessary to address the systemic inequities and discrimination faced‍ by marginalized communities.

However, opponents of the unions argue⁣ that teachers should focus primarily on teaching academic subjects and fostering critical thinking skills, rather than advocating⁣ for specific political ‍agendas. They argue⁣⁤ that students should be provided with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the workforce and in​ civic life, rather than being influenced by the political biases of ‍educators.

The debate over the role of teachers’ unions in shaping educational policy and promoting‌ political agendas is likely⁤ to continue. Proponents argue⁤ that teachers have a right and a responsibility to advocate⁤ for social change and address issues ⁤of injustice and inequality. Critics, however, maintain that ‌the primary focus of teachers and unions should be on providing ​quality‌ education and preparing students for academic success.

As the NEA and AFT continue to utilize their gatherings as platforms for ⁣advocating⁤ their political agendas, the question remains⁤ whether these unions are truly prioritizing the best interests of the students they represent.



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