The recent announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential pick has sparked a wave of excitement and concern. While teachers’ unions are celebrating the choice as a significant victory, critics argue that Walz’s stance on school choice could have troubling implications for parents and students in the public education system.
Teachers’ Unions Celebrate Walz’s Selection
The selection of Tim Walz, a former social studies teacher and long-time union member, has been met with enthusiastic support from teachers’ unions across the country. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), expressed her excitement, highlighting Walz’s background and dedication to working people:
“We’re so excited. We have known him for years as a social studies teacher, as a vet, as a union member, as a congressman, as a governor. He cares about working people. We’ve seen it.”
Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association (NEA), also praised Walz, calling him an “exceptional choice.” This endorsement reflects the deep connections Walz has with the educational community, built through his history as a teacher and unionist.
Criticism of Walz’s Stance on School Choice
However, Walz’s appointment has raised red flags among school choice advocates and concerned parents. Critics argue that his opposition to the school choice agenda—which supports options like charter schools and voucher programmes—could negatively impact the quality and accessibility of education for many students.
Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos voiced her concerns:
“Anyone who makes Randi this excited is a 5-alarm fire for parents and students.”
Walz’s track record during the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified scrutiny. His support for prolonged school closures and resistance to reopening schools, backed by the teachers’ unions, is seen as a significant concern for those advocating for more educational options.
Impact of Teachers’ Unions During the Pandemic
The role of teachers’ unions in shaping school policies during the pandemic has been a point of contention. Unions like the AFT and NEA heavily influenced decisions on school closures and reopenings, often leading to extended periods of remote learning.
Data and studies reveal that prolonged school closures had devastating effects on students:
- Mental Health: 70% of U.S. public schools reported an increase in students seeking mental health services since the start of the pandemic.
- Enrollment: Nearly 1.3 million students left public schools due to remote learning and pandemic disruptions.
- Academic Decline: Test scores for 15-year-olds in the U.S. fell by 13 points compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The Chicago Teachers Union‘s strike over COVID-19 measures, which led to further delays in reopening schools, has been criticized for contributing to these adverse outcomes. The union’s actions resulted in a class action lawsuit claiming students missed out on $213.4 million worth of learning time.
Political Influence and School Reopenings
The influence of teachers’ unions on school policies has been substantial. In states like California, Governor Gavin Newsom faced immense pressure from unions, resulting in delayed school reopenings. The California Teachers Association, a major NEA affiliate, played a significant role in opposing the recall effort against Newsom, highlighting the unions’ political power.
The Future of School Choice Under Walz and Harris
With Tim Walz now on the Democratic ticket, the future of school choice remains uncertain. Walz’s opposition to expanding school choice options is concerning for many parents who favour increased educational flexibility.
The Harris-Walz campaign has not yet clarified their position on school choice or provided assurances regarding future school closures. This lack of clarity leaves parents and students anxious about potential policy shifts that could affect the accessibility and quality of education.
Conclusion: A Divisive Choice with Significant Implications
Tim Walz’s selection as Kamala Harris’ VP pick is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it represents a major victory for teachers’ unions and reflects Walz’s commitment to public education. On the other hand, his stance on school choice and his role during the pandemic raise concerns about the future of educational policy.
As the campaign progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how the Harris-Walz ticket addresses these issues and what impact their policies might have on the public education system.
