AP Photo/Morry Gash
At a recent annual teacher's union meeting in San Diego, Arne Duncan was met with a great deal of hostility. Audience members shouted in opposition which was met by applause. The angry shouts were also followed by boos. Granted, he was talking about merit pay and teacher reform (a subject for a different day), but is this really the way to greet a government official?
What would happen to a student who behaved in that manner in the classroom or at a school assembly? He or she would likely be removed and severely reprimanded. That's what would happen. No one would care if they thought the subject was unfair, or if they just disagreed with what was being said.
Maybe that's part of the problem. If the majority of union teachers can't voice themselves respectfully among each other, how disrespectful are they with kids?
Thought? Comments?
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Comments
Teachers unions constantly set poor examples. They break the laws in MI and set a terrible example to student by going on strike despite the fact they are among the highest paid teachers in the nations. While most teachers care about their students, the union leadership represents them as being more concerned about their own pay and benefits.
As a member of the audience during Duncan's speech, I have to disagree with your account. There was a smattering of boos, to which Arne responded with a chuckle, but the tone was not at all disrespectful, especially given the context.
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