What are the most reviled institutions in America? Next to big banks and oil companies, it’s probably the teachers unions. The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers have more than 4 million members between them and spend tens of millions on lobbying and other political activities every year. Legislators in both parties are moving to reduce their bargaining power and limit their pension booty. Last year’s ballyhooed documentary Waiting for Superman makes teachers union leaders look like Al Capone with a picket sign. Parents demand to know why Billy and Susie’s lousy first-grade teacher gets lifelong job protection when assembly-line workers are laid off by the thousands.
2011
17
May
