Teachers hold their tongues about union policies to not offend colleagues

Nearly 1 in 5 teachers disagree with many union policies but don’t speak out to avoid offending their colleagues who support the union, according to a survey by the Teacher Freedom project. A breakdown of responses shows male teachers and Republicans are more likely to disagree with union policies but refrain from saying anything.

While the Janus v. AFSCME case decided last summer restored educators’ voice and choice, not every teacher feels his or her choice will be respected. Too often I have been told, “I’m a teacher and we are not allowed to have opinions unless they align with the union’s objectives.”

The burdens placed on today’s educators are many, and they often cut to the very core of the teaching profession. As teachers maneuver through the many demands asked of them, it is important they feel supported and heard. More can be done to restore civility in the workplace as our teachers take on the nation’s most important work of educating our future leaders.

If you or a fellow educator is interested in learning more about your newly restored freedom of choice, sign up for our newsletter below. We are working to equip teachers with resources and knowledge to help them better understand the issues they have asked for more voice on.