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Politics

Teachers Rise Up to Protest Trump Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

December 2, 2016 - 11:30pm

Teachers continue to dump criticisms on President-Elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, taking to Twitter and sticking it to national, state and local lawmakers urging them to oppose her nomination as the nation’s leader on public education.

As Sunshine State News previously reported, teachers have not been pleased with DeVos’ nomination to the position and this week, they used 21st-century technology to voice their concerns over the former Michigan Republican Party chair’s new appointment.

Many of the teachers joining in the protest have expressed deep concerns over DeVos shifting the focus of national education towards private and religious schools and away from public schools, where most of the country’s students are educated.

The Badass Teachers Association (BAT), which represents 80,000 teachers nationwide, also repeatedly attacked DeVos for having virtually no experience in the education sector -- DeVos’ background contrasts sharply with other past Secretaries of Education, many of whom served as superintendents or oversaw public school systems. 

DeVos’ own children have also never attended a public school, which educators have said puts her out of touch with the needs of students.

“Trump picked a billionaire who doesn’t believe in public education to be in charge of education,” the BATs wrote.

Others said her lack of experience was alarming -- and a big no-no for someone trying to lead by example.

“Doesn't anyone think the Secretary of Education should actually know something about education?” asked Lauren Hopson of Tennessee. 

Trump and education officials around the country have heaped praise on DeVos for her work to promote school choice and for her support of school choice, which often sends low-income children to private schools.

But many in DeVos’ home state of Michigan say her push for school choice has unfairly marginalized students and has had a negative impact on many students in Michigan’s public schools.

Over the last 15 years, the state of Michigan’s public school performance has actually declined, with many criticizing the push to put children in private and charter schools as part of the problem.

Protesters have taken it upon themselves to urge their congressmen and state senators to block DeVos’ nomination.

Some groups even planned physical protests against her appointment. In St. Petersburg, the protest was changed to a “call of actions” urging Tampa Bay teachers to write to their state representatives and legislators after a low number of RSVPs. 

Some teachers pledged to join the fight at the local level to oppose DeVos’ appointment.

“Hearing what the group did in the 70s inspired me, so I am thinking I'm going to join so that I join the fight on a local governmental level,” wrote one teacher who attended a local NAACP chapter meeting. 

Public educators agree DeVos, like Trump, is somewhat of an outsider, but the thought of that doesn’t sit well with them.

“Trump has in fact spat in the face of all who work tirelessly for the many children in public schools throughout the country by appointing someone with little regard for the work we do,” said BAT board member Gus Morales. “With this selection, Trump has revealed his true feelings and intentions when it comes to the students, families, and educators that comprise our Public Schools.”

 

Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.

 

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Comments

So, apparently we have failed. I am sure that I tried for my students to understand that beginning in 1620, many religious groups attempted to run their local governments. Horrible events occurred, ie Salem witch trials. Our founding fathers perceived the dangers and separated church and state for a reason. Freedom of religion is what keeps our country a beacon of hope. Apparently, you missed some of these important concepts. I fear for our future, as so many now have exchanged the concept of a melting pot that provides rich diversity for some kind of bleached white fear mongering king Trump. Hey, guess the tribes of Israel asked for a king, and now we follow suit.

If life has taught me one thing it is when people become a mob opposed to something new regardless of what it is, it might be worth taking another look at adopting it.

First off, if you have to label yourself a bad ass, your not a bad ass. You're just another losing, liberal, who doesn't give a crap about teaching children. It's all about indoctrination. Your collective inability to do your job, is the reason parents want other options, for their children, that public schools cannot provide. You're not "bad ass teachers." Just too liberal and bad.

All I have to say is I made a huge mistake for voting for Hillary! i though Trump was unfit but he is proving me wrong. Trump is turning out amazing! He won and I thought that was impossible! He halted that air conditioner plant from leaving! I wish him success and will be voting for him in 4 years if he keeps up these kinda things.

In Florida, teachers evidently are not capable of writing checks for their union dues and mailing them to their union. They rely on the taxpayers to take care of that burden. Now we are to be concerned about their complaint about Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos? Religious and private schools for the most part out preform public schools. Thus, public school teachers can't stand the heat. You go President Trump!

Not sure what school YOU attended, but you might want to spell/check "out preform".

In Florida, teachers evidently are not capable of writing checks for their union dues and mailing them to their union. They rely on the taxpayers to take care of that burden. Now we are to be concerned about their complaint about Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos? Religious and private schools for the most part out preform public schools. Thus, public school teachers can't stand the heat. You go President Trump!

The Badass Teachers Association (BAT) actually describes the Bad Teachers Union and their quest for mo' money, less classroom teaching, no accountably..... leading to at least one, perhaps two, failed generations of public school "education". Go figure, comrades. BTW: how do the Old BATS spell Electoral College? I assume they never heard of it! Go Trump!!!

C Breeze right again. Ain't always right, but mostly. Since half the kids in the country could not tell you the three branches of gumment, name ONE Supreme Court Justice, write a coherent letter or make change there seems to be a problem somewhere. We spend Christ alone knows how much money on education and the kids have never been dumber. Or care less. Long as they have one of them thar intelligent phones to listen to Ludacris or some other trash. Then they get federal loan money to go to college, which, predictably, they will never pay back. Just as predictably these loans look like they will be forgiven. Along with thousands of violent criminals currently in jail. I think the Trump choice brilliant. Maybe he can find some money in the budget to supply these communist training schools, aka, our universities, some aroma therapy and safe zones to deal with their angst over Trump winning. Seems like the kids in Syria have more critical issues, but our kids are pretty removed from that. That putz pretend drooling at the mouth lily livered wanna be school in Mass. that took down the American flags. Do any of these people realize that no one in their right mind will hire these incompetent pampered assholes to do anything except janitorial work? And probably not that since you have to show up at eight am. That being some of the younger generations best sleeping time, what with being out protesting all night. Go Trump!

"Teachers rise up";... Don't they realize how stupid they sound and what a poor example they set for students and parents? They emulate "black lives matter" and "LaRaza", etc.. If "teaching" and mentoring young minds isn't a "calling" or a passion for you, then GET THE HELL OUT, you're a disgrace to the profession! And we all already know the "worth" of tenure & teachers' labor Unions: NADA, NOTHING (Here's a "job suggestion" for all you crybabies: "Hello, welcome to Walmart"... that's ALL you're emotionally and intellectually qualified for.) I know, let's take a survey: How many of you "BATS" and Union members are whining Democrats??.. An overwhelming number I venture ! Hide your heads in shame teachers... You're not the solution,..You are the PROBLEM ! signed:// An old-fashioned, common-sense Democrat who still has integrity, ethics and honor!

The only thing we have to worry about is CBreeze big mouth. All hot air.

Listen here Mr. C Breeze. Apparently, you want to turn a blind eye toward the derailment of public education. As a twenty-four year veteran teacher with multiple graduate degrees and national certification, I can whole-heartedly tell you that your support for the silver spoon types like DeVos whom only want to profit from our tax dollars funneling money to private and charter schools, while advancing their religious agenda in the process. Teachers are not whining as you say, they are merely calling attention to a serious issue that must be corrected.

These people are morons save your breath

The serious issue is now in the process of being corrected. A religious agenda as you allude to would be considered more like the American way. The derailment of public education you are lamenting over is what is known as choice! Parents in the inner city if they choose can send their children to a charter for that better education than what is being taught by the public education system. Not saying "The Pledge of Allegiance" or using the word God in schools for fear of offending someone is text book reason why charter schools are gaining such popularity with parents and taxpayers like myself. You must be kidding, offending someone? personally I don't care who's offended because you see Mr. Bonner, this is America. This is the country that everyone is trying to get into so if they want to come here they must assimilate to our ways. Much to your chagrin, America was founded upon Judeo Christian principles. The same principles that brought many Americans to their senses this past November realizing that the past 8 yrs. have been a living hell for the working class. If anything has been derailed its been the America dream by the left. It seems as though the academia sector doesn't like competition. The American people have spoken, spoken like never before against the perverse movement that have been subjected to for quite some time. My suggestion is that the DOE change their modus operandi and get in step with the people that pay your salary. I was educated in the public school system and can tell you for fact that the school system today is nothing like it was years ago before it became polluted with progressive (socialist) individuals. The change is coming, you are either on the train or under it. Your choice.

The serious issue is now in the process of being corrected. A religious agenda as you allude to would be considered more like the American way. The derailment of public education you are lamenting over is what is known as choice! Parents in the inner city if they choose can send their children to a charter for that better education than what is being taught by the public education system. Not saying "The Pledge of Allegiance" or using the word God in schools for fear of offending someone is text book reason why charter schools are gaining such popularity with parents and taxpayers like myself. You must be kidding, offending someone? personally I don't care who's offended because you see Mr. Bonner, this is America. This is the country that everyone is trying to get into so if they want to come here they must assimilate to our ways. Much to your chagrin, America was founded upon Judeo Christian principles. The same principles that brought many Americans to their senses this past November realizing that the past 8 yrs. have been a living hell for the working class. If anything has been derailed its been the America dream by the left. It seems as though the academia sector doesn't like competition. The American people have spoken, spoken like never before against the perverse movement that have been subjected to for quite some time. My suggestion is that the DOE change their modus operandi and get in step with the people that pay your salary. I was educated in the public school system and can tell you for fact that the school system today is nothing like it was years ago before it became polluted with progressive (socialist) individuals. The change is coming, you are either on the train or under it. Your choice.

Comments are now closed.

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