On August 14, there will be a benefit concert in Los Angeles to “honor” teachers.
The concert is a promotion for a new “Superman”-style film that vilifies public schools and promotes privatization.
The film celebrates the “parent trigger” law, which gives parents the power to seize control of their school, fire the staff, and turn it over to a charter chain. The parent trigger was promoted by charter advocates and billionaire foundations Broad, Gates, and Walton.
Strange way to “honor” teachers–by firing them and giving the school to a non-union private entity to manage, which may hire only young teachers willing to work a 50-60 hour week at low wages. More “honors” like this and there won’t be a teaching profession in America, just teaching temps.
The concert is sponsored by Walmart (the Walton family) and Walden Media. The Walton Family Foundation gave out $159 million last year for charters and vouchers.
Walden Media was one of the producers of “Waiting for ‘Superman.'” Billionaire Philip Anschutz, who owns Walden Media, funds rightwing groups, is anti-environment and bankrolled anti-gay referenda.
It’s sad to see Viola Davis involved in this sneaky push for privatization. I remember when she won the Academy Award in 2010 and announced that she was proud to be a graduate of Central Falls High School, right at the time that all the corporate reformers were gloating about the threat to shut it down.
What teachers are they appealing to? TFA? What teachers would attend except for scabs?
Boycott and protest!
This movie roll-out will go nationwide. It should be met with a counter argument, perhaps the documentary The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman, and a panel discussion about that discusses the Stanford CREDO study, co-location chaos, charter management operators like Edison Learning, etc.
I really hope the unions will look to use video to similar effect. Our country needs an honest debate on charters, or charters will dismantle our public school system.
Very good suggestions, Maureen, of ways to use video means to counter this privatizing effort!
Just as I was reading this, a local Chicago blog by Raise Your Hand Illinois received a posting from the proud mom of an actor in the movie ‘Won’t Back Down.’ The social media campaign has begun, apparently. I re-post it here.
Joyce Kelly-BrownRAISE YOUR HAND – CPS Parents for Fair Funding
Good Afternoon CPS Parents! I NEED YOUR SUPPORT BIG TIME… in just two months my son Dante Brown makes his big screen debut playing Oscar Nominee Viola Davis’ son in 20th Century Fox & Walden Media’s movie that tackles our educational system, Won’t Back Down. He’s expressed passion/interest in entertaining since he was just 1.5 & turns 13 a week after the movie premieres – it’ll be surreal seeing this dream come into fruition. We hope you’ll join us in this excitement & support this movie first weekend. Please SUPPORT, RSVP & SHARE THIS MOVIE’S EVENT. To God be the glory! Thanks in advance! ♥
https://www.facebook.com/events/499586106722038
“WON’T BACK DOWN” (Feel Good Movie of the Year & Dante Brown’s Debut) – OPENING WEEKEND
September 28 at A Theater Near You
“To God be the glory!”
Tells me something about the mindset of the mother. Wouldn’t want to have a charter to teach creationism now would she? Or maybe that the US is a christian nation??
I think the point of this woman’s post has nothing to do with the movie at all. I don’t think this parent would matter if her son was playing a crack addict/dealer in the movie. She is just doing what any proud parent would do for a child that “finally got a part.” It’s just sad that it’s a political football aimed at the futures of American school children.
Merryl Streep gave money to a charter school in Central Falls, Rhode Island in honor of Viola Davis.
Why not a public school?
Because public schools are “failing,” that’s why.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/28/actress-meryl-streep-dona_0_n_1306616.html
That’s not accurate. Meryl Streep gave money to a program that helps kids get into college called Upward Bound. Both Viola Davis and her sister, a public school teacher in Central Falls, managed to get to and through college with the help of the program. They are both graduates of the same public institution of higher learning that educated myself, my mother and her mother–all of whom became teachers. Criticize all you like, but don’t claim to be reality based if you don’t get your facts straight.
Foul!
What you claim about Ms. Streep is absolutely untrue. You’re entitled to an obtuse opinion—you appear to have a lot of them—but you’re not entitled to your own facts.
Can you make the distinction between the two? If so, you might want to thank one or more of your teachers.
As more people understand who and what is behind this deceptive, mendacious, vile campaign to destroy public education and the dignity and professionalism of our teachers, the tone of attackers like yourself grows increasingly hostile and shrill—for obvious reasons; no one believes your BS anymore…
We should write to Ms. Streep about what charter schools are actually doing to public education in general. BUT– what Ms. Streep is doing is exactly how charter schools should be funded. They are private institutions and private citizens may support them how they wish. $10,000 of Hollywood money is better than $10k of taxpayer money that was originally meant to pay for democratic public education.
More about this film that was “inspired by actual events”
Film ‘Won’t Back Down’ sure to increase debate over ‘parent trigger’ school laws
Wonder how long the lines will be? I will not be one of them.
Actually, Diane, it was when she won the Tony Award that she praised the Central Falls public school teachers who educated her. Her sister works as a public school teacher there now, so I’m as puzzled as you are regarding her involvement in this film.
Here is the list of performers that will appear on the TV program:
1. Dave Grohl – Foo Fighters
2. Adam Levine – Maroon 5 singer
3. Jack Black
4. Meryl Streep
5. Viola Davis
6. Morgan Freeman
7. Josh Groban
8. Maggie Gyllenhaal (last, but not least)
I suspect that some on this list are unaware that this a corporate reformy funded gig and would back out if they knew.
I agree Bill. I wish there were some way to let them know.
I wish someone could warn Meryl Streep. She can’t be on the side of the deformers.
Perhaps it would be easier to contact their publicists, agents, or managers:
1. Dave Grohl – Foo Fighters – Agent: Don Muller – WME 1325 Avenue Of The Americas, New York, NY 10019 T.212.586.5100 F.212.246.3583
2. Adam Levine – Maroon 5 singer – Manger: Career Artist Management – 1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite 1100 | Los Angeles, CA 90024 | 310.776.7640 (p) | 310.776.7659 (f)
3. Jack Black – Agent: WME 1325 Avenue Of The Americas, New York, NY 10019 T.212.586.5100 F.212.246.3583
4. Meryl Streep – Publicist: Leslee Dart. Dart Group. 90 Park Avenue. 19th Floor. New York, NY 10016. Phone: 212-277-7555.
5. Viola Davis – Agent: Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) 45 West 45th St. 4th floor, New York, NY 10036 T. 212.687.0092 F. 212.245.5062
6. Morgan Freeman – Publicist: Stan Rosenfield & Associates, Inc., 2029 Century Park E., Suite 1190, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA. Phone: (310) 286-7474, Fax: (310) 286-2255.
7. Josh Groban
8. Maggie Gyllenhaal (last, but not least)
I’m not sure if these are correct. I pieced the information together from various sources found on the Internet. I also noticed that some of these celebs have official website forums and facebook pages. Maybe if enough teachers started posting the truth, it would get noticed.
I’ll be happy to write a model script–and promote the idea of getting in touch with their agents on https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-X-Teachers/483038645046221. We might draw attention to this ploy–or change a mind or two, Nothing to lose!
try it, this is a way for teachers to get active without risking job
OK—so here’s what I’ve been able to find out as far as ways to contact people. I think it’s wonderful to use all types of media—Twitter, Facebook, whatever—but the more personal, the more influential. So, if you feel comfortable making phone calls, keep trying that way. Send emails, tell friends, use friends’ emails (j/k), every way you can to get this message to these folks.
1. Dave Grohl: Manager—Gabby at 323-856-8222
2. Adam Levine: Receptionist will take message at 310-776-7640
3. Jack Black: email to sjackson_asst@WMEentertainment.com
4. Meryl Streep: publicist’s voice mail at 212-277-7555
5. Viola Davis: email to ewolff@apanewyork.com
6. Morgan Freeman: email to stan@sra-pr.com
Here’s a little script I wrote for phone calls, easily adaptable to email:
My name is ______________________ (Caitlin Casement) and I am ______________________ (a 25 yr veteran teacher from Los Angeles). I heard that _________________ was participating in the “Teachers Rock” event. I wanted him/her to know that I feel his/her participation would have NEGATIVE effects for public schools. I am very glad that he/she cares about the teachers in our public schools, but one of the organizations benefitting from this event has done serious harm to the teaching profession—Teach for America. Like performing, teaching is a difficult and demanding profession, requiring more than just talent but years of serious study and practice. I know how hard ______________________ works to make every performance special for the audience. Teachers perform for some of the toughest audiences every day. It’s not for amateurs. Teach for America gives the impression that teaching can be a short-term, low-skilled job that can be learned in weeks. That hurts the teaching profession and has a direct effect on children’s lives. Please let ______________________ know that I hope he/she will reconsider participating in this event.
Remember, we don’t have to have huge numbers to be effective—these are not people looking for controversy. If you’re local, call CBS and tell them that you plan to protest at the event. (It’s okay if you’re not sure. Just sound sure.) Be courteous and nice (although I did tell one receptionist that she had a grown-up job now and had to act like a grown-up after she hung up on me), but be firm and convincing in your message. Try to keep your words positive—rather than say that these groups are “destroying” education, try saying specific things you object to that they’ve done.
Thanks so much Bill for getting the ball rolling! I’m still unclear about one thing—what night is the concert live?
Davis is a puzzle. That was the school that got Obama and Duncan cheering about Deborah Gist and her move to fire ALL the teachers. Weird.
On Twitter:
Adam Levine – @adamlevine
The Voice – @NBCTheVoice
David Grohl – @foofighters
@FooFightersDave
From his website- Josh is scheduled to perform on ‘Teachers Rock’ – a special tribute concert celebrating teachers and education. The special will broadcast from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 18th from 8-9 PM. The show will air live on CBS.
Proceeds from ‘Teachers Rock’ will benefit three nonprofit organizations: DonorosChoose.org, Feeding America, and Teach for America.
Twitter: Josh Groban – @joshgroban
website:
http://www.joshgroban.com/news/2012-07-24/josh-perform-cbs-special-%E2%80%98teachers-rock%E2%80%99
Am I understanding this right??
1. It seems that the “live air” date has changed to Friday, August 17. Source: http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/07/30/cbs-reschedules-teachers-rock-a-concert-and-charity-event-benefiting-teachers-and-education-for-friday-august-17-433215/20120730cbs01/
Note: CBS still has the date listed as the 18th on their website.
2. Some performances will be taped on the 14th at a special benefit concert for teachers. You can but tickets to go to the August 14 event through Ticketmaster here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&user_input=teachers+rock&q=teachers+rock&search.x=0&search.y=0
3. I’m unsure if there will be an audience for the live television broadcast (Aug 18 or 17?). Certainly there are no tickets being sold for this event. Will there be no audience? Or, is this event invitation only. Hmm, if they needed to quickly fill a theater with enthusiastic teachers that will actually enjoy the movie “Won’t Back Down”, where would they find such an outlet? What organization might find such individuals? I wonder.
I’ve been in touch with Bill Guy, who does PR for CTA. He says they’re crafting a response right now.
That is great Caitlin. Thank you CTA! I wonder if all state level teacher unions are now collaborating and issuing statements in unison. Not just on this issue, but on all others from now on. I think the message would be more noticeable if they could release statements at the same time. Here in NY, I wonder if NYSUT will be issuing a statement about this nationally televised event. Because we know the date ahead of time, we have a rare opportunity to inform the public that the message of this event, and the movie it is promoting, is simply flawed. Perhaps even the AFT could join the discussion.
Yeah, I’ll bet teachers feel just about as “honored” as a virgin at a volcano party.
This is social illness, a kind of cancer is growing.
It imitates, mutates and eventually shuts down the organ that is public education. It is a threatening, insidious growth and we must stop it.
Instead of writing poetry about the problem, have you thought about making a phone call or sending an email?
I’ve started a #BoycottWontBackDown campaign on twitter… blog about it and share it on Facebook as well. Tell the public WHY we should boycott this movie. This company should not make even more profit on the vilification of teachers and public schools.
Interesting article. Perhaps the word is getting out. http://www.democraticunderground.com/11243129
Thanks for sharing the article. I tweeted it. Disturbing imagery. Dunking – casting the first stone. I guess tarring and feathering to recreate the Revolutionary period is next. Why not-we’re already in the ‘public stocks’.
What truly bothers me about this insidious teacher bashing campaign is that in a period of 5-6 years the public perception of teachers has gone from hero to zero.
When I first started people would recoil in shock that anyone would want to teach where I did. Then after some questioning they would generally thank me and tell me to plug away, fight the good fight, etc.
Now when people meet me for the first time, they roll their eyes or look askance. I know they’re making some sort of instant value judgment (like loser-not very bright-lazy). I don’t do the same. Oh you’re an accountant (financial fraud) or a lawyer (thanks for getting that dirt bag off). Along with the looks there is also the quick-fix advice. Thanks- the problem is more complicated than that. By the way, it’s been tried.
Now, I’ve signed petitions, tweeted, written letters, blogged, posted, etc. Many teachers do. More need to do it. Some of my colleagues are just clueless, weary and afraid. As Franklin said, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately”.
Now it would be nice to see the NEA and AFT mount a major PR campaign to polish our tarnished image. Something akin to taking back our profession. I’m tired of watching the public bashing and support of my cherished profession. I’m equally dismayed that both major unions have seemingly sat idly while it has taken place.
Snooze much?
I am incredibly disappointed that students from my son’s conservatory-style public arts high school (which is currently reeling from $700,000 in cuts to their arts budget) AND their famous alum, Josh Groban, are participating in this sham celebration of the teaching profession. I can only assume that the kids and their parents are unaware of the concert’s hidden agenda and are just thrilled to perform alongside big name stars. I certainly hope that Groban is also unaware of the intention of this “benefit.” If their school was privatized, its 26 year history of being one of the nation’s premiere arts high schools would not survive the deeper budget cuts that would most certainly ensue, and as a result, there would be no more celebrated alum to bear witness to the incredible preparation that the school provides to its student body.
Read that his mother is/was a teacher and she let him know. Can’t recall the source right now. Maybe a reader can find it and post the link.
While no decision has been made about the fate of the booth, CBS, Walmart and Walden Media issued a joint statement, which read, “The matter is currently under examination.”
—–
Here and did we ever get the apology from Moonves:
Update: Stars Threaten to Walk
August 10, 2012 9:00am EST
Los Angeles – TMZ is reporting that several stars scheduled to appear at the “Teachers Rock” concert have threatened to pull out if teachers are actually rocked. According to TMZ sources, Leslee Dart, Meryl Streep’s publicist, made a fury-filled phone call to CBS, which is scheduled to record and broadcast the concert later this month. She is quoted as screaming at CBS President and CEO Les Moonves, “Meryl’s in a god damn union for Christ’s sake. She has to work with Teamsters. Damn right she wants this rectified.” No word yet on Moonves’ reaction.
Also unhappy about the “sport” of stoning teachers is Josh Groban. People magazine is reporting that Groban expressed his concerns to Walmart and Walden Media producers after getting an earful from his art teacher mom. According to sources close to the star, Groban’s mother is angry about more than just the stoning booth. She objects to the entire event which is a publicity vehicle for the movie “Don’t Give Up.” “I don’t want you lending your time and talents to a movie that glorifies yet another way to turn public schools over to charter chains,” Lindy Groban is reported as saying. “They can call it whatever they want, but this concert is not about honoring teachers. It’s being put together by the same people who did ‘Waiting for Superman.'”
———
Update: No Rocks Allowed
August 10, 2012 4:35pm EST
Los Angeles – Well that didn’t take long. After receiving hundreds of thousands of phone calls, emails, on-line petitions and tweets, the concert producers of “Teachers Rock” waved the white flag. Through a Walden Media and Walmart spokesperson, it was announced moments ago that the Rock-a-Teacher booth will no longer be a part of the concert event. Reading from a prepared statement, the spokesperson said, “No teachers will be harmed during the concert. Not in a booth. Not by a youth. Not in the parking lot. Not by an angry tot. Not here. Not there. Not anywhere.
Les Moonves, President and CEO of CBS, is expected to issue a formal apology tomorrow.
http://studentslast.blogspot.com/2012/08/stoning-teachers-raises-some-eyebrows.html?spref=fb
Thanks to both Linda and Urbanlad. Knew I had seen it somewhere.
The CBS corporate switch board is another option. Give them a jingle at (212) 975-4321.
Josh’s mom is an Art teacher and Carrie’s mom was an elementary teacher in Oklahoma. Should be some interesting dinner table conversation.
In addition, according to the CBS promo, the “stars will talk about their favorite school memories”. I don’t believe any went to a charter. So we’ll wax nostalgic about something many children may never have. Favorite memories of their public school.
Hopefully none will have memories of their school being taken over due to someone “pulling the trigger”.
The CBS corporate switchboard is another option. The number to call is (212) 975-4321. Give them a jingle if you can.
It is EXTRAORDINARY to me that you all – Diane Ravitch especially – can be so certain of their views on a film they have NEVER SEEN! Here lies the problem with the time we are living in – everyone runs to their corners screams their opinions without thought nor regard for fact or truth and barks as loud as possible. Shame on Diane for calling for a boycott of something she TRULY KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT! Why not see the movie – and begin an honest and open discussion instead of this name calling.
The parent trigger is a deception, and the movie is a celebration of a deception. Why do you think Florida parents united in opposition to the parent trigger?
My apologies – I see the earlier post is up. My point exactly – I say something think you don’t hear me and run to MY talking points and scream loud. Please see the movie – and decide for yourselves – the movie (which i have had the privelege of seeing) is actually a huge celebration of teachers AS WELL AS a beginning dialogue about the teachers union and their successes as well as their need to grow and change – like all of us, our views and opinions. Let’s start talking instead of yelling because what really needs the attention – OUR CHILDREN – are falling behind — any and every statistic will show you that. Change and growth is a good thing let’s stop fearing it.
Why do you think Florida parents fought the parent trigger? Do you know?
@Jacob
“AS WELL AS a beginning dialogue about the teachers union and their successes as well as their need to grow and change – like all of us, our views and opinions.” – It is difficult to engage in a dialog with you because you rudely set the narrative before the discussion has a chance to start.
1. Suggest you read this: https://dianeravitch.net/2012/06/10/do-not-accept-the-new-normal/
“Change and growth is a good thing let’s stop fearing it.” – Who do you feel on this blog is against or fearful of growth and change? Perhaps they just disagree with your version of growth and change.
1. Suggest you read this: https://dianeravitch.net/2012/07/23/your-homework-berliner-on-education-and-inequality/
“OUR CHILDREN – are falling behind — any and every statistic will show you that.” – Can you please explain this statement. What are they falling behind in? What statistics are you referring to? And what do you feel those statistics prove to be the leading cause?
1. Suggest you read this: https://dianeravitch.net/2012/07/25/tell-the-truth-about-u-s-education-math/
2. Suggest you read this too: https://dianeravitch.net/2012/07/24/stop-the-lies-about-u-s-education/
“Let’s start talking instead of yelling…” Who is yelling? The only one yelling is you.
While you comment on the above, please explain to me how teacher unions are hurting public education. You comment seems to imply this. Please provide your statistics for formulating your opinion. Since you are the one making these claims, the burden of proof is on you.
One last thing Jacob. One of the reasons I enjoy Diane Ravitch’s blog is because she backs up all of he claims with proof. Also, when she gives personal opinions, she makes it clear to the reader. I suggest if you want to prove any of your points on this blog, you had better start doing the same. If you feel like spewing nonsensical rhetoric, there are plenty of blogs in cyberspace out there for you.
Proof? Has she seen the film in which she is condemning? I am not yelling I am asking you to form your own opinion instead of following someone who is leading without proof herself. But my guess is you have already chosen sides which is why we are stuck in the argument without any movement.
Check out the comments on the Facebook page…not too many are buying the propaganda:
Linda Roche his movie is not based on facts – please do your own research. This movie is propaganda funded by Anshultz and other wealthy donors like Walmart, Gates and Broad who use philanthropy to ensure future profits. The school referenced was given to a corporate charter after parents petitioned to get their names removed from the charter petition because they were duped by false promises.
Elissa Jury Wow, I am a public school teacher and I love my students, and they score well on tests and this is such a slap in the face of millions of teachers that care. You are just a rebranding privatizing education so that parents will pay corporations their hard earned tax dollars. The system hasn’t failed, opportunity has failed – equal opportunity and you schools will deny that very American ideal.
August 12 at 8:58pm · Like · 7
Marsha Short The word is spreading all right..teachers all over this country are doing our best to spread the word that this movie is PROPAGANDA designed to dupe the public into blindly following a movement that will allow corporate dollars to control our schools! If you care about REAL reform that will at least have a fighting chance of providing quality free education for ALL kids, boycott this movie!
http://www.facebook.com/WontBackDown
They may be starting to censor comments if they are not glowing:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/398228900240406/
I promise you, Jacob, I will see the movie and review it.