E23: How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education w/ Michael T. Hartney

The Conservative Classroom

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michael Hartney, a Hoover Fellow and assistant professor of Political Science at Boston College, as we dissect the influential role of teachers' unions in American politics. Michael’s unique insights shed light on how these unions operate differently from other labor unions, wielding power to impact educational policies at state and local levels. Discover how their strategic successes in competitive school board elections have allowed them to block or prevent various educational reform proposals.
As we delve deeper, we uncover the broad political stance of these unions, aligning themselves with a range of progressive issues. This episode exposes the influence of COVID on the dynamics between unions, teachers, and parents, and the way it has underscored the power these unions hold.
In the final part of our conversation, we explore the results of Michael's research on teachers' unions and their influence on school board elections. Brace yourself for some surprising revelations - the unions' endorsement of incumbents is more often driven by salary increases rather than student academic performance. Michael urges the political right not to lose sight of student academic achievement amid their focus on cultural issues. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the politics of education and the tangible impact of teachers' unions.
Help out Michael and The Conservative Classroom. Pick up your copy of his book in this link:
"How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education"
Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Follow @MichaelTHartney on X (formerly Twitter)
Michael T. Hartney's webpage
Hoover Institution website

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The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.

Kapitel

1. Teachers Unions in American Politics (00:00:00)

2. Teacher Unions Influence in Politics (00:12:19)

3. Teachers Unions and Political Positions (00:18:31)

4. Misconceptions and Power of Teachers' Unions (00:25:03)

5. Teachers Unions and School Board Elections (00:34:24)

6. Cultural Issues and Academic Achievement (00:46:48)