The BATS are strong-willed, courageous teachers who are tired of being kicked around by politicians and their dumb ideas. They are “mad as hell” and they won’t take it anymore.
Last year, after the BATS met with Arne Duncan, one of their leaders, Professor Yohuru Williams had the idea of convening an annual BATS Congress. That Congress recently met in Washington, D.C., had meetings with key legislators, held a sit-in at the office of Senator Bernie Sanders, and picketed the U.S. Department of Education.
“Prior to our two lobbying days, Washington BATs got us off to a great start by participating in a “Coffee with Constituents” session with Sen. Patty Murray. This group led the charge and let the legislators know that the Badass Teachers Association had descended upon “The Hill”. Over the course of the next two days, BATs from 20 states conducted over 61 appointments with their Federal Lawmakers. BATs shuffled from the House building to the Senate building over the course of these two days. Appointments started at 8 a.m. and lasted until 5 p.m.”
They met “The Walking Man” Jesse Turner as he concluded his 400-miles walk to D.C. to join with the other BATS.
They had three busy and productive days. It is valuable to have the BATS go to Washington. Otherwise our elected representatives would hear only from the big campaign contributors who are buying public education and elected officials like Cuomo and Malloy. The BATS made sure that teachers’ concerns were well represented to the decision-makeres on Capitol Hill.
Thank you, BATS.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Truly bad ass teachers who do something instead of sitting around waiting for their co opted unions to speak for them. Our elected reps need to know that not being responsive to their communities will result in trouble for them down the line. We know the ones who continue to sell out public education.
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Shouldn’t BATS be picketing their own Union Office. These are their representatives recognized by politicians, supporting Hillary and Common Core, while they picket Bernie Sanders. They are a front for the AFT.
Chris Hedges says that:
“Labor leaders make lavish salaries and are considered junior partners within corporate capitalism, as long as they do not speak in the language of class struggle”.
[Death of the Liberal Class]
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I earn a lavish $2000 per year as president of my local teacher’s union. So hard to figure out where to spend ALL that money- bills, partial down payment to replace my 14 year old car, classroom supplies. The options are endless. Ooooh what should I do with that lavish amount?
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Joseph, it has been no secret that AFT members have registered a sharp backlash to the endorsement process. But as BATS, instead of picketing our state and local unions, it’s better to run for positions within them. See @STCaucus for NY. Instead of picketing Bernie Sanders, we met with his education liaison and published open letters.
Our union members are representing Hillary/Bernie/other leanings in internally messy ways, but I would agree that teachers should be leading as models of informed democracy – after all we teach children.
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Great to see the combo of savvy lobby work and street theater. Go BATS. Proud to have a former student in your ranks.
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I loved this piece. Informative and timely. Thanks so much for advocating on behalf of public school kids and writing about it.
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BATs are actively working for stronger leadership within our unions to fight the standardization and privatization of public schools. We do grassroots organizing within our unions and outside of our unions to build test refusals and create better teaching and learning environments for our students. We are a “front” for no one. Our visit to Sen. Sanders office was an attempt to set up a meeting since our prior calls and letters did not yield an appointment. BATs has not endorsed a presidential candidate and we are highly critical of AFT’s early endorsement.
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Did I hear the words “Common Core” from BATS opposing the Union.
Is BATS only against the implementation? Hard to believe that the Union does not “support” BATS.
this from Mercedes Schneider:
“What sealed the deal for my deciding not to complete the survey was AFT’s involvement in the effort. In its 2013 survey on teachers perceptions of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), AFT manipulated the reporting of the result to make it appear that teacher support for CCSS was more solid than it actually was. This led to the fabricated-yet-popular media message that teachers are fine with CCSS and that it is only implementation that is the problem.
In her May 12, 2015, article on the BAT-AFT survey, Washington Post writer Lyndsey Layton draws attention to the idea that it is CCSS implementation that it the problem– as if teachers are automatically fine with there being a CCSS to begin with:
Teachers said they feel particularly anxious about having to carry out a steady stream of new initiatives — such as implementing curricula and testing related to the Common Core State Standards — without being given adequate training, according to the survey.
The BAT-AFT survey question to which Layton’s statement connects, number 28, makes no mention of CCSS. However, I have heard Layton jump to this “implementation is the problem” conclusion before in her March 2014 interview with billionaire Bill Gates. And regarding CCSS implementation, she refers to Weingarten.
CCSS is an undeniable part of the AFT agenda.”
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Joseph, astute question – BATs have put out incredible arguments against Common Core. But Common Core is headed to be a state fight now and every state is different. Common Core’s implementation is talked about because all sides agree the implementation was botched.
NY has passed legislation to address complaints such as grade level inappropriateness, trying to hang on to Common Core and it’s diminishing returns.
No one group is claiming to have silver bullets. BATs are teachers, but parents and taxpayers are the bigger groups with the missing voices, so swarm for public education…
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Not all BATS believe in Freedom of Speech and this is clearly the case in MI. The BATS are fabulous as long as everyone agrees with them!
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Freedom of Speech protects individuals against government reprisals–not against the consequences of making unfounded accusations against other individuals, Marcie.
The folks from BATs who went to DC gave up their personal time to lobby with our representatives on behalf of all teachers. They deserve better treatment than cheap shots and misinformed attacks.
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Not only MI. I stopped caring after they purged the entire Maryland leadership. I’m glad I found local activists, but the BAT mentality is dumb.
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They visited Randi’s East Hampton’s Estate as party guests.
That is where the convention should have been.
all those poor teachers being directed down blind alleys.
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Mark Naison, who is no longer a BAT and hasn’t been for almost a year, went to a party at Randi Weingarten’s East Hampton home. He did not attend as a BAT and did not represent our organization. Joseph, your misinformation is a very tiresome smear. We went to lobby in DC at our own expense, giving up valuable family and vacation time to tell our legislators what is happening in our classrooms, and why we are against Common Core, annual high stakes testing, privatization and loss of professional status. What do YOU actually do for our students other than bash teachers who are fighting hard for them?
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Dr. Naison is no longer a BAT? That’s something to know about. I must’ve missed a blog post or two.
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I caught that a couple months ago via an offhand reference in a M. Fiorillo post. My vague recollection is that the dear leader left to form a new group focused on race issues, which the BATS may or may not have been charged as being unable or unwilling to represent adequately. But definitely don’t quote me on the reason.
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Well then why was Mark invited with no experience in public education?Terry I am very active in supporting children since 2003
as an environmental and educational advocate, when the Union turned its back on schools being built on toxic sites in New York. I contribute regularly and paid a price being terminated, demanding air quality reports in school. I never schmoozed with Randi because I knew that they did not care. I testified numerous times before the NYC Council and had a teacher whistle blower law created due to the work that I was doing. I did not take financial support from the Union.
This is not personal, just a friendly reminder that your efforts are wasted in DC, and don’t amount to a hill of beans, since you are allied to a Union that is compromised. I have met numerous City and State wide officials, that is not the way the system works. Your target is that the UNION does not represent teachers, you are too comfortable in the bed in which you are lying.
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Is there any way to see a list of the Congressmen that BATS met with? I’d like to follow up with mine if possible.
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I’m sure it’s in the works. I can tell you I spoke with the teachers who met with aides for Bernie Sanders, Lamar Alexander, Liz Warren and Bob Corker. The bottom line is, this takes time and reform lobbyists have definitely been heard, along with leading civil rights groups.
This PA BAT has an excellent and thought provocative recap of his visits with Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Corey Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Reps Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ).
https://gadflyonthewallblog.wordpress.com/
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Did you say Cory Booker? That must have been a productive session. Booker is responsible for much of the privatization of public schools in Newark. He introduced Cami Anderson to NPS. Good luck with that project BATs.
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Going to DC with the BATS was an experience I’ll never forget. I’d never have had the courage to lobby my congresspeople in person if it weren’t for this group of passionate activists. We supported each other every step of the way. I met with both my Pennsylvania Senators – Casey & Toomey – and Congressman Doyle. I even met with New Jersey Sen. Booker and Rep. Smith. Or at least I met with their aides. It’s funny how none of them could face real live teachers. In Doyle’s office, he skipped out for the week right in front of me as I sat on his couch waiting to speak to his aide! Besides that, probably the most interesting thing we learned was how little education experience these aides had. I did however talk to one if them who is advising Sen. Casey on education matters who was a 2 year TFA recruit and former employee of Michelle Rhee! It’s all here in my report “Down and Out and Lobbying for Public Education”: https://gadflyonthewallblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/down-and-out-and-lobbying-for-public-education/
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Amazing, I guess you have to have some big campaign dollars just for our politicians to give a damn. ThT he had a TFAer as his education person does not speak well for public ed
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I am a proud BAT Delegate from Virginia, and we did this action in ADDITION to many others. For example, we are following up with state and local organizing and appointments. Besides learning how much TFA and charter alums have infiltrated Congressional offices, we brought a powerful message in support of public education, made resolutions, bonded with each other, and advocated for our vulnerable charges. Congress is more aware than ever that public school teachers are going to hold them accountable for upcoming decisions. Joseph, we were heard and we didn’t back down: This is not a “poor teacher” group. A final question: Who’s coming, (you’re all invited,) to see “Education, Inc.”–at my place in August?!! ^^0^^
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School teacher will not hold anyone accountable with a compromised Union, there are Union delegates that have never heard of BATS.
we all need to fight the struggle locally as teachers with parents, but clinging to the BATs moniker is problematic, as long as you are affiliated with the Union. Wake up, your leaders and $upporters at the Union are pro Common Core and Hillary. What message are you sending?
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So, you want teachers to become anti-union because there is a healthy internal debate over what stances the union should take, or even how decisions ought to be made inside the organization? I’m a history teacher and I know what has come from wholesale attacks on unions as opposed to committed, thoughtful work to embrace their potential and work to realize it.
I suppose you’d want to bash the principle of democracy, then, if you find it falling short of its potential?
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Thank you again Diane for all your support. All of the BATs went on their own dime and time. We are so grateful for that. We learned that many who lobby get to do so as a paid trip. We are so proud of what we did and honored that you have recognized it. Best to you ^0^
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HUGE THANK YOU BATS! You made a difference and created an energy shift in Washington.
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BATS can not be taken seriously and not oppose the Union, which no longer represents them.
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Thank you, Diane.
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Thank you to all of the brave and strong BATs who took their time, their wisdom, and their personal funds to make this momentous and selfless journey in the name of all of our students and families! Though the task was arduous, these beautiful and courageous people stood their ground and delivered extremely important messages regarding real public education in our country. I not only commend them, but thank them from the bottom, top, and all of my heart!
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Thank you Diane for the shout-out for BATS! Thank you to all my fellow BAT colleagues who went to Washington for OUR KIDS. If there is one thing I know about BATS it is that KIDS are the priority. BATS are professional educators from all over the world and I am proud to be one. We are taking back our profession! I went to DC last year and was so inspired. I plan to go next year.. Let’s keep the pressure on and continue to do what is right by our children and their future. ^o^
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The BAT experience in Washington, D.C. from July 23 to July 26, with two days of Lobbying and the Congress which essentially was a day of feedback to the BAT Assembly was extraordinary.
To Joseph:::::
Every grassroots organization has to start somewhere, AS LONG AS YOU START. If the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had waited for people to jump on board, we’d still be waiting. In your short-sighted view, BATs is not doing enough or our efforts are futile. I disagree with you most definitely. In most people’s views, teachers are meek, mild, and ‘very’ polite.
Well, sir, the name, Badass Teachers Association, hits the nail on the head. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired. As a retired Public School teacher, these BAT efforts are just a beginning. To downgrade our efforts before there’s been time to see the effects is foolhardy on your part. And, were you part of that endeavor in Washington, D.C. along with us BATs??? If not, should you really be offering your tunnel-visioned opinion? This BAT thinks not.
I chose to go on my own dime, as it were, because I could and I felt compelled to do so.
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Roberta, MLK would never use the name of Bad Ass Blacks. How long do you need to see the effects of your movement? I am retired, but to identify yourself as a BAT is scary. You are welcome to go on your “own dime”, but that does not indicate that it is effective, you have yet to mention your Union AND HOW IT HAS SCREWED YOU.
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A huge thank you to all the BATs who showed up and spoke up for real teachers. TFA, Gates, the Waltons and Ms Brown may have the money and the walking/talking suits but BAT power matters more because we don’t come with cash in hand. Thank you very very much for all our students.
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Thank you BATs! You Rock!
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A BIG THANK YOU to all my Bat friends who went to DC and did what I was not able to do at the time this year. Next year I hope to join you. You are the best!
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Thank you, BATs for doing what I was not able to do this summer. I have attended my RAs and identified myself as a proud BAT there and at my school. Our numbers are growing, and we are chipping away at the deformers’ rhetoric!
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Thank you BATS, for all the hard work preparing, for traveling on your own dime, paying your own hotel bill, buying your own meals, and for everything you did in DC. Thank you for caring, for fighting, for not giving up! ^0^ Thanks also, Dr. Ravitch, for your support.
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Thanks to all of the BATS who took personal time and used their own money to fight for public education. Your tireless efforts in DC are so appreciated. Your lobbying on behalf of public education was huge! This was activism at its finest; you all are certainly not bystanders in the fight to save public education. THANK YOU!
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I spoke with the education advisor for my U.S. Rep, Nita Lowey. It was very cordial and began with her telling me that her mom is a teacher in Philly and she hears the horror stories every day. (Hear that, BATs? Just send your kids to work in DC…)
The Democrats in the House sound like they have it tough because they are in the minority and don’t get the soapbox attention a Democratic Senator might. But Nita Lowey is a powerful, senior Dem who has seen/done it all before, and so her aide assured me that they aren’t being visited by testing company lobbyists. It was a productive chat, but it’s always better to speak directly to the legislator themselves.
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It is excellent report from Teacher Steven Singer. Here is the link
https://gadflyonthewallblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/down-and-out-and-lobbying-for-public-education/
“Down and Out and Lobbying for Public Education”
Mr. Singer has seen, felt and touched the whole elephant. Joseph only experienced what elephant can do. The BATS’ hard cored + passionate believers believe in their power to have their wishes granted by elephant.
However, the truth is well expressed in some sentences, such as:
1) From Joseph:
“”. I have met numerous City and State wide officials. That is not the way the system works. Your target is that the UNION does not represent teachers. You are too comfortable in the bed in which you are lying.”‘
= the EMBEDDED rules and regulation in American DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM.
= WE MUST follow the rules. If not, it is a waste of time, effort like build a DREAM HOME on the SAND beach.
2) From Marcie Lipsitt
“”The BATS are fabulous as long as everyone agrees with them!””
= we just replaced ”BATS” with LEADERS with money and authority.
3) From Joseph
“”CCSS is an undeniable part of the AFT agenda.””
= Replace “”CCSS”” with “”THE SEAT IN THE TABLE”” and “”Corporate donation in MILLIONs of dollars””
4) From Roberta:
“”I chose to go on my own dime, as it were, because I could and I felt compelled to do so.””
= Regardless the result, just do it in order to release emotional turmoil.
IMHO, each individual perception is the truth and validated with a certain period of time, whereas in reality, the principle in “”UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL”” is THE “”forever”” TRUTH.
Please do not let individual perception to interfere PASSIONATE educators’s unity.
Please remember that “”Confidence, success and happiness are the sum of: slow movement + clear direction + strong base in friendship + appreciation for all supports.””
I hope that being educators means that we are patient and we are leaders. Most importantly, we are the best listeners in order to CULTIVATE the WILD and unappreciative audience in public, like Campbell Brown, Michelle Rhee all Senators, all congressmen and their legislative aids…Back2basic
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Thank you to all the BATS that carried our collective voice to Washington,DC. Your efforts and dedication to the dignity of our cause is greatly appreciated by all who value education.
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Thanks, BATS!
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Thank you, BATs for your tireless support of students, teachers, schools, and communities! That you spent your own time, money, and sprit in this direction speaks volumes about your integrity and character. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Thank you, Dr. Ravitch!!!!
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I attended the BAT congress, and thank all the teachers and activists who lobbied our congressional representatives. I am proud of the BAT/AFT survey and the legislative amendment that came from it. I agree that changes need to happen in our union leadership, that is why we in BAT are taking our union back, one school at a time. BAT allows those who feel we parents and teachers who have been shut out now have found our voices again. We will be the change. We will not be shut down by self serving politicians and union leaders any more than we will be swayed by bitter trolls. The DC congress was a success. I participated and will continue to effect change in this grassroots manner. Some do, some run their mouth. Don’t feed the trolls, fight for our schools, teachers and students. ^o^
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Thank you BATs!
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