This is a very good analysis of the election results that should gladden the hearts of teachers.
John Wilson points out that in one state after another, those who disparaged and demeaned teachers lost.
They blame their loss on the unions, but the unions have limited numbers.
And most of the rightwing candidates (maybe all) had far greater resources from Wall Street than the teacher-back candidates.
Typically the pro-teacher candidates were outspent 10-1, even 20-1.
The public is getting tired of self-seekers who claim to put “kids first,” “children first,” “students first,” while simultaneously attacking the dedicated teachers who take care of them every day in school.
Wise parents know that good education is a collaboration among students, teachers, parents, administrators and the larger community.
Those who talk about “first” and about a “race” are promoting division, not collaboration.
No one comes “first.” All work together. Teamwork wins, not a struggle for survival among competing interests.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Yes! John is an old friend of move…pres in NC when I was pres in ND….dedicated guy, quality thinker…
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Let the politicians take heed. Divide and conquer can’t prevail when we look to what is best for all the constituients of education
LikeLike
Most Americans have had good teachers, caring teachers, and knowlegable teachers in their lives. If we keep exposing the absolute systematic distruction of our profession, public education and the learning environments of our children…then, we will be heard and felt. Obama did not deserve the teacher vote because he did not listen to anything said or sent to him. Shame! Let’s keep on shouting it from the mountaintops, twitter, email, etc. People with common sense will tell you that teachers are not evil and do not want to support bad teaching. What are they accusing us of? Such crap! Keep on, keeping on!
LikeLike
America is finally waking up!
LikeLike
The greatest teacher basher is Arne Duncan and, therefore, President Obama. He got elected and will lead the charge against teacher unions. The greatest “bashers” are those that will come as your friend. Any “analysis” that doesn’t realize that is no analysis worthy of the name. But then I suppose you know that and simply want to ignore it; because after all, you justified voting for them
LikeLike
II have to agree to a large extent- even thought I voted for them, too.
LikeLike
As I listen to the pundits on TV talk with and about newly elected women heading to Congress in January, much is being made about how women know how to accomplish things through collaboration.
Why is competition thought to be the only way teachers should work with each other & the only way to make public schools improve? Will any policy makers take a serious look at what Race To The Top competition has done to how & what children are taught in this country? Will any policy maker push a collaborative effort to look at real data on teaching and learning in our public schools? Will any policy maker ask teachers and parents of public school children their thoughts on competition in our schools to get higher test scores than the school across town?
A bit of collaboration would be a breath of fresh air.
LikeLike
We’ll continue to struggle as long President Obama, Arne Duncan, and anyone else who sees themselves as education reformers, continue to apply capitalistic theories and practices on the processes of learning and teaching. Education and capitalism are two separate entities. It sure feels like it is taking Washington DC a longer than everyone else to figure that out.
LikeLike
*a lot longer
LikeLike
“A bit of collaboration would be a breath of fresh air.”
Rather amusing since collaboration is one of those 21st century skills that the deformers are always insist is critical to education. You would think they would take their own advice.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on ipledgeafallegiance and commented:
Good news for teachers, teaching, parents and students.
LikeLike
That is the name of the game, Competing interests. It is also a divide and conquer strategy.
The IL state tax went up 66% and did not put a dent in the budget. Slashing pensions will not put a dent in it either. So, who will be next?
LikeLike
“The IL state tax went up 66% and did not put a dent in the budget.”
We probably exempted all big business or, like the wealthy, their accountants found ways around it.
“Slashing pensions will not put a dent in it either.”
No, but it looks good. I guess they will have to cut all social welfare programs next because that’s what all retired teachers will be depending on. They already do such a fantastic job. You can wait at Stroger hospital all day for the pharmacy to fill a prescription.
LikeLike
http://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2012/11/ronnie-greco-of-jersey-city-real-union.html?m=1
This is the young man I asked for your help in Jersey City. He is trying. Please help him. jerseycity1972@yahoo.com is his email address. Thanks. Anne O’Neill Kellers
LikeLike
I so hope that you are right!
I spent our “professional development day” working on our goals for the new Massachusetts teacher evaluation process. Unbelievably demeaning and demoralizing!
LikeLike