This just in: Teachers unions are still as awful as they were before the coronavirus hit.
The single greatest force standing in the way of educational reform, school choice or performance-based pay for teachers is still making education worse for our children.
This time, teachers are protesting a school reopening plan in New York City.
This isnât anything new. Teachers unions across the country have said they donât want to return to the classroom. Many of them also are uncomfortable with online classes. So, in short, everythingâs awful and strikes are on the table unless districts meet their demands â none of which, by the way, have anything to do with whatâs best for their students or what risk those students run of catching or transmitting COVID-19.
The case of New York City feels a bit different because the shots are being called by Bill de Blasioâs administration, which isnât exactly known for union-busting tactics.
In late July, Mayor de Blasio called for a âblended approachâ of in-person schooling and online learning for âa vast majority of kids,â a plan that would have them in classrooms two or three days a week, according to the New York Post.
âYou can certainly say, âYeah, itâs gonna be tough, itâs gonna take a lot of work,â ââ de Blasio said.
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said they were making the call in late July because âwe want to give some consistency to parents.
âWeâre really dealing with ⊠imperfect solutions,ââ he added.