Teachers: Professionals or 'Education Workers?'

There’s a weird thing happening in public education. Hardcore unions are attempting to rebrand themselves as “professional organizations.” In fact, the American Federation of Teachers bills itself as “A union of professionals.”

Both the AFT and the larger National Education Association attempt to portray themselves as associations yet negotiate collective bargaining agreements and oftentimes act like their brethren in the industrial unions – hardly white-collar professionals.

So with the increasing call for more professionalism in the teaching ranks – and less of a collectivist mindset – conflict arises.

Consider these two recent statements by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis.

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Conventional wisdom would tell us that Lewis would be demanding that teachers be treated like professionals. Think again.

It’s clear that Gov. Christie supports the professionalism of teachers more than the teachers’ elected leader does. That doesn’t speak well for those wishing to increase the professionalism of the career.

Who do you agree with? A poll is being conducted at the new website, PublicSchoolSpending.com.