See How Teachers’ Unions Fund Politics, Not Students

A black binder labeled Labor Union placed on a desk with papers and a pen

Teachers’ unions funnel over $43 million into leftist causes while student performance plummets, sparking outrage among education reform advocates.

Story Overview

Over $43 million donated by teachers’ unions to left-wing groups since 2022.
Student performance in math and reading continues to decline.
Critics argue union spending is misaligned with educational needs.
Increased calls for union transparency and accountability.

Unions Prioritize Politics Over Education

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) have been revealed to have donated over $43 million to left-wing and far-left interest groups. This has occurred since 2022, while student achievement in core subjects like math and reading continues to decline. The funding recipients include organizations focused on progressive activism, social justice, and political advocacy, raising questions about the unions’ priorities as they continue to neglect educational outcomes.

Watchdog organizations have highlighted this as a significant misalignment of priorities, with substantial funds directed towards political causes rather than educational improvements. Defending Education, a prominent watchdog group, has been vocal about the need for transparency and refocusing on academic achievement. Critics argue that such spending contributes to the ongoing decline in student performance, as resources are diverted away from addressing key educational challenges.

Impacts on Educational Outcomes

As unions continue their spending spree on political causes, students suffer the consequences. National assessments show a worrying trend of declining performance in core subjects. Critics from organizations such as the Freedom Foundation have called for unions to redirect their focus back to foundational educational needs. The current trajectory suggests that without a shift in priorities, students will continue to fall behind, exacerbating the educational crisis.

The controversy has drawn attention to the power dynamics within the education sector, where unions wield significant influence. Education reform advocates argue that this influence should be harnessed to address the pressing issue of declining academic standards, urging a return to basics in teaching and a focus on core academic skills.

Calls for Greater Accountability

The revelation of these donations has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in union operations. There is pressure on union leadership to justify their expenditures and to demonstrate a commitment to improving educational outcomes. This scrutiny is expected to result in potential shifts in union strategy, as well as legislative or regulatory changes aimed at increasing financial transparency.

Teachers and union members are also questioning the value and direction of their dues, with many advocating for a reevaluation of union priorities. The ongoing debate over union spending and its implications for student achievement is likely to continue, influencing both public perception and policy discussions in the education sector.