Critics warn that the selection of Tim Walz, a former teachers' union member and opponent of school choice, as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate raises concerns for parents and students in the public education system.
Teachers' unions have emerged as a significant force in public school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite evidence suggesting the devastating impact of school closures on children's mental health, development, and future earnings potential, teachers' unions have lobbied for extended closures and resisted efforts to reopen schools.
Teachers' unions have also consistently opposed school choice initiatives, which provide parents with greater flexibility and options for their children's education. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has criticized teachers' unions for their efforts to prolong school closures, calling them "a 5-alarm fire for parents and students."
Teachers' Unions: An Obstacle to School Choice and Student Success
Teachers' unions wield immense political influence and financial power. The National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have donated millions of dollars to Democratic candidates and liberal groups. This financial support has given these unions a significant say in shaping educational policy at both the national and state levels.
Studies have shown that partisan politics and teachers' union strength have had a greater impact on school reopening decisions than local health guidance. Districts with stronger teachers' unions were more likely to remain closed during the pandemic, despite the absence of evidence linking COVID-19 risk to reopening decisions.
Teachers' Unions: An Obstacle to School Choice and Student Success
California serves as a prime example of teachers' unions' influence on school reopening. Despite Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency powers, the state remained one of the last in the country to fully reopen schools. Intense pressure from teachers' unions contributed to this delay, despite the escalating mental health crisis and learning loss among students.
The long-term consequences of school closures are staggering. A study by the World Bank, UNICEF, and other organizations estimates that this generation of students could lose $21 trillion in earnings over their lifetimes. Test scores have also declined significantly, and the number of students seeking mental health services has increased.
Teachers' Unions: An Obstacle to School Choice and Student Success
The selection of Tim Walz, a former teachers' union member and opponent of school choice, as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate has raised concerns among parents and advocates for educational reform. It is crucial to recognize the negative impact of teachers' unions on school choice and student success and to support policies that empower parents with greater control over their children's education.
School choice empowers parents with the ability to choose the best educational environment for their children. It promotes competition and innovation among schools, leading to improved educational outcomes for all students. A recent study by the American Enterprise Institute found that students who attended schools of choice scored significantly higher on standardized tests than their peers in traditional public schools.
Teachers' Unions: An Obstacle to School Choice and Student Success
Going forward, it is imperative to ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding school closures and reopenings. Teachers' unions should not be allowed to wield undue influence over educational policy without facing scrutiny. Parents and students deserve a voice in determining the future of public education, and their concerns must be taken seriously.
The influence of teachers' unions on public school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the urgent need for reform. By empowering parents with school choice and demanding accountability from teachers' unions, we can create a more equitable and effective educational system for all students. Only then can we truly ensure the future success of our children and the strength of our nation.
Teachers' Unions: An Obstacle to School Choice and Student Success
