There is no more central figure in the educational life of children than their classroom teachers. Yet, the most important rules governing how teachers arrive to classrooms, how they stay there, and what is expected of them are tied up in labor politics that impact almost every aspect of teaching. In a previous show we discussed the mysterious and depressing way in which teacher contracts are negotiated. What takes place in the negotiating room likely would shock many Americans. But, even more damning is the way in which teacher union supporters act politically against advocates of school reform. We will discuss the real consequences of being an activist for changes to the way schools hire, train, and retain teachers.

Chris Stewart is the Chief Executive Officer of Education Post, a media project of the Results in Education Foundation. He is a lifelong activist and 20-year supporter of nonprofit and education-related causes. Stewart has served as the director of outreach and external affairs for Education Post, the executive director of the African American Leadership Forum (AALF), and an elected member of the Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education.

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