Don't Blame Teachers Unions for Our Failing Schools. A Debate

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Teachers unions: They're powerful, they're defensive, and they're stubborn. And if it seems their leadership places a premium on protecting its members-above all other interests-we should not be surprised, because protecting jobs and wages is what unions were created to do. Critics argue that unions are shielding too many teachers who do their jobs poorly-teachers who should be replaced, for the good of the children. Some claim that teachers unions, as presently constructed, weaken America's schools more than any other factor. But can it really be that simple? In ranking blame for what's wrong with the nation's classrooms, do teachers unions really come before slashed budgets? Or crumbling infrastructure, broken homes, and the influence of narcotics? Do unions really protect bad teachers and undermine education?