Teachers: Time to Take a Stand. By Bob Shillingstad (08/27/24)

kootenaijournal.com/2024/08/27/teachers…

With so many threats looming around the world and at home, schools in Idaho face their own threats: lower enrollments and financial headaches as parents move their children to charter schools, private schools, or home schooling. Many school districts will be asking for millions of dollars in levies just to keep the status quo.

Shillingstad describes the progressive, secular world view of teacher’s unions — including National Education Association (NEA), Idaho Education Association (IEA), and local affiliates. He states that these “associations want to radically change society and are opposed to an education system that honors family and parents and instills patriotism that teaches our history and government in an attempt to make independent citizens who can analyze and think for themselves.”

He then contrasts those who support a radical agenda with those — including many teachers — who love teaching young people and want to make a positive difference.

The author urges teachers to consider alternative associations (linked and described in the article) that represent values most front-line teachers hold:

• Association of American Educators (AAE)

• Northwest Professional Educators (NWPE)

• Christian Educators

He asks teachers to "Make your voice heard and opt-out of the union and communicate that to the administration of your district. Don’t let the radical agenda include you in its attempt to ruin our children, families, and country."