Network Schools – Wayne Gerseny to https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/04/03/magazine/thomas-piketty-interview u w B l.html?h I’ll smid=url-share the Is for

As noted in many previous posts, the GOP and conservative media (including even the NYTimes) have fallen prey to the notion that unions are unequivocally opposed to reopening schools until, well, THAT was never fully fleshed out. In the minds of ALL the GOP and many media outlets, demonizing “the union” is easier than explaining nuances and complicated issues. 

One of President Biden’s more audacious pledges is to re-open schools within 100 days, a pledge that requires that it be accomplished in tandem with the adherence to strict rules to prevent the spread of COVID and sufficient funds to assist economically disadvantaged students. And as this section of the NEA’s press release indicates, the teachers union is on board: 

No one wants to return to in-person learning more than the educators who have dedicated their lives to helping their students succeed, but reopening school buildings must be done safely and equitably.

The new President’s position is based on medical science and focuses on safety more that “the economy”. Teachers, most schools boards, and many parents based their local decisions on safety and equity concerns… but too many local schools were forced into reopening by State mandates that paid no heed to science, safety, or equity… and in those cases the voice of the teachers’ union was the easiest to scapegoat. An when State and local GOP legislators and leaders bullied and intimidated teachers unions it became clear to parents who opposed reopening and school boards that opposed reopening that the GOP schoolyard bullies would intimidate them as well if they spoke up. This led to a simmering anger in communities where a debate on the merits of reopening was never held, a debate that would have been difficult to engage in since there were no clear NATIONAL school reopening standards.

When the dust settles in 100 days the basis for making decisions on opening or not will be clearer and the demonization of teachers will be more difficult to sustain… but I predict that it WILL persist.