About a week ago, Tim Hoffine from the Ohio office, wrote up the recent NPR debate on the influence of teachers unions on America's schools. I'd also strongly commend it to you.
No one-sided affair here; it's a fair fight. The AFT's Randi Weingarten leads a team in defense of unions, while former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige heads the opposing side. The teams also include two educators, a superintendent, and Terry Moe, who among other things, was the co-author of a book that remains--15 years after my first encounter with it--one of the most significant influences on my thinking.
Lots of important and compelling arguments ensue. I agree with the audience on who won, but check it out for yourself.
Bear in mind, this is far more than an esoteric philosophical battle. The recent Race to the Top award announcement showed that the administration has given unions enormous power over this $4.35 billion program.
After listening to the debate, you very well may seriously question that decision.
--Andy Smarick