There is a weird dichotomy in American education: many teachers across the country impress upon their students that they must succeed for our nation to remain competitive in a global economy.
But at the same time, teachers unions fear, and downright besmirch, competition.
Competition is what has made America the greatest country in the world. Capitalist inventors have created new products to make money, not to mention improve society. Investors have put their money behind products that have great potential. It’s clear competition improves products and lowers cost.
So why do teachers unions fear competition?
Like the robber barons of the 20th Century, unions oppose choice because it will likely impact its monopoly on the market. About 85% of American kids go to traditional public schools – most of which are unionized.
Unions oppose competition among teachers and instead want the same rate of pay for employees, based on years of service, regardless of success or effectiveness. So the best teacher in the building is paid exactly the same as the worst. How does that foster improvement?
And lately, the unions have been critical of President Obama’s “Race to the Top” education reform initiative. Consider American Federation of Teachers’ president Randi Weingarten’s latest press release:
While we encouraged our local and state affiliates to be involved in every aspect of Race to the Top, we have always been troubled that this competition, by its very construct, leaves out millions of students across the country. Rather than picking winners and losers, our education policies should represent a comprehensive approach focused on preparing every student to succeed in college, work and life.
Let’s all hold hands, sing Labor’s favorite song, “Solidarity Forever,” and enjoy the ride on the sinking S.S. Public Education.
Previous AFT leaders have admitted there is a problem, but nobody from that union, or the National Education Association, have ever seemed willing to do anything meaningful about it. In 1989, AFT president Albert Shanker told this to the Wall Street Journal:
“It’s time to admit that public education operates like a planned economy, a bureaucratic system in which everybody’s role is spelled out in advance and there are few incentives for innovation and productivity. It’s no surprise that our school system doesn’t improve: It more resembles the communist economy than our own market economy.”
So the American public education system is closer to communism than capitalism, thanks to the teachers unions and union-enabling politicians.
It’s no wonder the system is failing in its obligation to educate American kids and prepare them to be future world leaders. Until the adults in the system realize why they’re there – to serve children – we should expect to see little difference.