Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, has called on her union members to "win all the things," including increased power, progressive demands, and school closures through strikes. However, critics argue that this relentless pursuit of union interests comes at the expense of students' education and parental rights.
National Education Association (NEA) president Becky Pringle has ignited controversy with her rallying cry of "win all the things," which has fueled prolonged teachers union strikes and disrupted students' education. During her speech at the NEA's annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pringle urged delegates to "do this work" of winning power, elections, and progressive demands. However, critics accuse the NEA of neglecting the welfare of struggling students in its pursuit of union interests.
NEA President's 'Win All the Things' Mantra Fuels School Closures and Union Unrest
Despite widening achievement gaps, profound learning loss, and chronic absenteeism resulting from COVID-era school closures, Pringle's speech focused on fighting against "vouchers" (education freedom), celebrating union strikes, and advocating for sexually explicit books in schools. Her support for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, whom she hailed as "champions of the labor movement," further alienated many parents and education reformers.
Ironically, Pringle's own staff union (NEASO) launched a strike after her speech, shutting down the remaining days of the NEA's multimillion-dollar annual meeting. The NEASO accused the NEA of "wage theft," outsourcing to contractors, and abandoning union values. The NEA responded by expressing concern over "misinformation," highlighting the internal turmoil within the union.
NEA President's 'Win All the Things' Mantra Fuels School Closures and Union Unrest
Prolonged union strikes have plagued schools in cities like Portland, Oregon, Youngstown, Ohio, and Newton, Massachusetts, depriving students of crucial instruction time. Parents and students must brace for more labor unrest and interrupted learning as the NEA plans to ramp up strikes during the upcoming school year.
Parents should consider alternatives to union-controlled public schools, such as expanding school choice programs that provide families with greater freedom and flexibility. Education freedom empowers parents and students to choose the best learning environments for their needs, breaking away from the cycle of strikes and union dominance that has hindered students' progress for far too long.
NEA President's 'Win All the Things' Mantra Fuels School Closures and Union Unrest
