Randi Weingarten, the head of the teachers’ union, has authored a 2025 book titled “Why Fascists Fear Teachers.” This work seems more like a means of self-promotion than a rigorous examination of its topic. It appears that the book also served as a way for Weingarten and her associates to funnel teachers’ union dues into their pockets.
A recent analysis by the Freedom Foundation of federal filings from the American Federation of Teachers indicates that a considerable amount of money has been invested in this collective endeavor.
Teachers should probably consider asking for a refund.
In the acknowledgments section, Weingarten expresses gratitude to Sally Cohn, a former CNN anchor who now describes herself as an “author,” “media strategist and trainer,” and “activist,” referring to her as an “indispensable daily thought partner and collaborator.”
What exactly that “thought partner” contributes is open to interpretation, but the report suggests the term “ghostwriter” fits. And it seems she’s quite well-compensated for it.
In fact, the AFT reportedly paid Cohn over $400,000 in the year before the book was released.
That’s a hefty sum, definitely more than what Mr. Cohn usually makes for his consulting engagements.
Interestingly, Cohn wasn’t the only one benefiting financially.
Tony Powell, the photographer credited with the image on the back cover of Weingarten’s book, is a known socialite in the D.C. circles—often referred to as the “21st Century Renaissance Man,” according to the Washington Post.
Records indicate that Powell was compensated more than $5,000 for his role in “union management.” Quite the pricey headshot, it seems!
Additionally, Emily Krieger received $6,000 from the AFT for fact-checking the book.
As often happens, a good chunk of the funding seems to have gone toward legal expenses.
Weingarten expressed her gratitude to attorney Charles Mädler, a figure with a long history in New York politics, for conducting the “legal review” of her work.
His firm reportedly received nearly $1 million last year from AFT, including $140,000 designated for “union management.”
While some of that amount likely covered standard legal services, a notable portion seems related to the book. (Weingarten, however, asserts that Mädler assisted in publishing the book pro bono.)
Ultimately, Weingarten has promised that royalties from the book will go to the union and affiliated nonprofits. Yet, $125,000 of the earnings was allocated to a limited liability company named “Teachers Want What Kids Need.”
Weingarten has confirmed that she currently shares royalties 50-50 with the union.
It’s possible that fascists do indeed dread teachers, but the arguments made in her book seem somewhat lacking.
One thing is certain: parents and taxpayers have every reason to be concerned about the influence of the teachers’ union, especially considering the amount of public funds funneled through union dues into projects like this one.
