Staff Reports
In the ongoing conversation surrounding education in America, there’s a notable clash over the roles of teachers and the influence of teachers’ unions in schools. Dr. Corey D’Angelus, a senior fellow at Americans for Fair Treatment and the author of *The Parent Revolution*, has recently weighed in on these issues, drawing attention to the disproportionately high number of female teachers and the implications of this on boys’ education. With over three-quarters of teachers being women, D’Angelus argues that young boys lack masculine role models, which is vital for their development. This underrepresentation of male teachers is attributed, in part, to the political leanings of teachers’ unions, which he claims discourage men and promote a leftward agenda.
D’Angelus emphasizes that teachers’ unions, particularly the National Education Association (NEA), often focus on protecting job security rather than promoting excellence in teaching. He criticizes the unions for backing policies that support the lowest performers and discourage merit pay, thereby diminishing the quality of education. D’Angelus believes that this fosters an environment where young boys, instead of being encouraged to embrace their masculinity, are molded into more compliant individuals. He argues that schools, which historically were designed to promote conformity, continue to do so, resulting in students who may lack the courage to stand against governmental control, as seen during the pandemic.
The good doctor has some concrete solutions up his sleeve. He suggests that teachers should consider leaving unions, given that a staggering 99% of union contributions go toward supporting Democratic candidates. This financial backing creates a “money laundering” situation that D’Angelus believes undermines teachers’ autonomy and First Amendment rights. He advocates for school choice, which would enable families to select educational institutions that align more closely with their values rather than being shackled by the prevailing radical ideologies of public school systems.
Adding more fuel to the fire, D’Angelus highlights the hypocrisy of certain union leaders, like the head of the Chicago Teachers Union, who denounce school choice while simultaneously opting for private education for their own children. He argues that such actions undermine the legitimacy of their claims and illustrate a glaring double standard in the education debate. Across the United States, a movement toward school choice is gaining traction, with numerous states implementing programs that allow families to choose educational paths that better serve their children’s needs, especially in underprivileged communities.
D’Angelus encourages parents to seek out school choice options, join advocacy groups, or even consider homeschooling if possible. He notes that recent developments in states like Texas have resulted in a surge of interested families looking to escape the traditional public education system, which often prioritizes political agendas over academic achievement. As calls for educational reform grow stronger, it seems that parents and advocates are not backing down and are determined to reclaim the educational narrative for the sake of future generations.
With education being a cornerstone of democracy and citizenship, the discussion around the influence of teachers’ unions, the need for more male role models, and the push for school choice is more critical than ever. While navigating these complexities, it’s apparent that the fight for educational integrity is heating up, and Dr. D’Angelus is at the forefront, making waves with his insights and advocacy for a balanced and fair educational landscape.
