Battling State and National Teachers Unions For the Heart and Soul Of Our Kids

The History of Teachers Unions

The first teachers union in the United States was founded in 1857 in New York City. The union was called the National Teachers Association (NTA). The NTA was a small organization with only a few hundred members. However, the union quickly grew in size and influence. By the early 20th century, the NTA had become the largest teachers union in the country.

Standing Up to Goliath: Battling State and National Teachers' Unions for the Heart and Soul of Our Kids and Country

by Rebecca Friedrichs

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	732 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	339 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In 1916, the NTA merged with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to form the National Education Association (NEA). The NEA is the largest teachers union in the United States today, with over 3 million members.

The Goals of Teachers Unions

The goals of teachers unions are to improve the working conditions of teachers and to promote the interests of students. Teachers unions typically advocate for higher salaries, better benefits, and smaller class sizes. They also support programs that benefit students, such as early childhood education and after-school programs.

In recent years, teachers unions have become increasingly involved in political activism. They have lobbied for legislation that supports their goals and have endorsed candidates for political office.

The Impact of Teachers Unions on Education

Teachers unions have had a significant impact on education in the United States. They have helped to improve the working conditions of teachers and have promoted the interests of students. However, teachers unions have also been criticized for their political activism and for their opposition to reforms that would improve education.

One of the most controversial issues in education today is the role of teachers unions in school reform. Critics of teachers unions argue that the unions are too powerful and that they resist reforms that would improve education. They point to the fact that teachers unions have opposed merit pay for teachers and have supported tenure for teachers who are ineffective.

Supporters of teachers unions argue that the unions are essential to protecting the interests of teachers and students. They point to the fact that teachers unions have helped to improve the working conditions of teachers and have promoted programs that benefit students.

How to Fight Back Against the Unions

If you are concerned about the influence of teachers unions on education, there are a number of things you can do to fight back. You can:

• Support candidates for political office who support school reform.
• Lobby for legislation that supports school reform.
• Join a parents' group that is advocating for school reform.
• Talk to your local school board members about the importance of school reform.
• Send letters to your local newspaper about the importance of school reform.

The battle for the hearts and minds of our children is being waged on multiple fronts. One of the most important battlegrounds is the classroom. Teachers unions have a powerful influence over what is taught in our schools and how our children are educated. It is important to be aware of the goals and tactics of teachers unions and to fight back against their efforts to control our children's education.

Standing Up to Goliath: Battling State and National Teachers' Unions for the Heart and Soul of Our Kids and Country

by Rebecca Friedrichs

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	732 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	339 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE