Sweatshops, Walmart, TFA, Bart Simpson and Hams for Hanukkah

By Larry Sand
12/09/2014
Teachers unions are busier than ever pointing fingers, forming loopy alliances and making embarrassing gaffes. A couple of weeks ago Massie Ritsch, assistant communications and outreach point man for Education Secretary Arne Duncan, left his job to take a similar position at Teach For America. And not a moment too soon! As I wrote last...

TAGS: American Federation of Teachers, Arne Duncan, EAG, Kyle Olson, Larry Sand, Nick Gillespie, Randi Weingarten, Rick Hess, Teach For America, teachers union

Karen Lewis and Chicago’s Illiteracy Problem

By Larry Sand
09/23/2014
After years as a teacher union boss, Karen Lewis is making plans to spread her venom to the rest of the city. Courtesy of Daniel Greenfield, we are reminded of the ugly fact that almost half of Chicago is illiterate. According to the White House website, 47 percent of Windy City residents cannot read. Additionally,...

TAGS: Arne Duncan, Chicago Teachers Union, Education Action Group, Karen Lewis, Larry Sand, Randi Weingarten, Teach For America, teachers union

Keeping Their Backs Up and Claws Sharp

By Larry Sand
07/15/2014
As the teachers unions lose popularity, some think that they will soften their positions. But as recent events show, this is very far from the truth. A poll taken in June, right after the Vergara decision was handed down in Los Angeles, found that 49 percent of California voters think that teachers unions have a...

TAGS: American Federation of Teachers, Arne Duncan, Democrats for Education Reform, Dennis Van Roekel, Education Next, Gloria Romero, Harris v. Quinn, Joe Williams, Larry Sand, Lily Eskelsen Garcia, National Education Association, Randi Weingarten, teachers union, Terry Moe, Vergara