
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?