Randi Weingarten, the long-serving President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), isn’t typically seen as a champion for educational freedom. However, during a recent segment on the Brian Lehrer Show on New York Public Radio, she offered a perspective that, perhaps, teachers—especially those with conservative or independent views—should pay attention to.
The conversation kicked off when a public school teacher from New York City called in to vent frustration about the United Federation (UFT), which is AFT’s New York affiliate. The caller expressed anger over the union’s support for Zoran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, who is vying for mayor. He noted that several teachers have already pulled their dues “in support of Mamdani,” seeing this as an example of union overreach into partisan politics. Weingarten’s response was surprisingly straightforward: “Unions can become political if they want, but they need to be democratic. And you have the right to withdraw your contributions if you don’t agree with the union’s direction.”
A new group is being established to offer teachers a way to escape what many view as a progressive union “monopoly.”
For once, I couldn’t agree more with Weingarten. Teachers who are tired of supporting a Democratic agenda should indeed consider following her advice and refrain from funding a political machine with their hard-earned salaries. During the 2024 election cycle, over 99% of Weingarten’s campaign contributions came from union backers to Democrats. It’s a situation that predominantly channels teachers’ money into the coffers of politicians whose views many educators don’t share.
Teachers’ unions, including AFT and its affiliates, have often acted as extensions of the Democratic Party. They seem, at times, more like money-raising operations, diverting funds from educators to support ideologies that don’t align with a significant portion of their members. In fact, less than 10% of the National Education Association’s fees actually go toward representing teachers in negotiations. A bulk of the funding is consumed by political endeavors, salaries for union leaders, and campaigns that contradict teachers’ interests. It feels like they’re getting the shorter end of the stick. Since 1970, spending per student in public schools has soared by 164%, while actual teacher salaries have increased a mere 3%. Where’s all that money going? The problem is often a bureaucratic expansion and a political agenda prioritizing union influence over educational outcomes and educator satisfaction.
On a brighter note, teachers now have options beyond this system. The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in *Janus v. AFSCME* was a pivotal moment for individual rights, confirming that public employees, including teachers, cannot be compelled to pay union dues if they disagree with the union’s positions.
Nevertheless, opting out can feel overwhelming. Unions often make the process complicated, and teachers might be concerned about losing benefits like liability insurance. Enter the Freedom Alliance, a new organization championing conservative education led by Ryan Walters, who is currently Oklahoma’s public education superintendent. This group aims to empower teachers nationwide.
The Freedom Alliance is offering personal liability insurance coverage of up to $2 million for teachers opting out of government unions, which is double what AFT typically provides and at no cost to teachers. The organization is deeply committed to dismantling the union monopoly, stepping up to provide actual support.
The response has been significant. In its inaugural year, the Freedom Alliance has assisted over 2,500 teachers in exiting unions. This mass departure could compel unions to reassess their priorities, focusing on student success and teachers’ conditions rather than political interests.
Consider the potential impact if conservative and independent teachers across the nation heed Weingarten’s words. Unions could lose millions, forcing them to reconsider their political influence or risk becoming obsolete.
Teachers can use their savings to benefit their families, invest in their future, or support charitable causes that reflect their values. It sends a strong message: educators refuse to be pawns in political games that detract from their profession and the students they serve.
In that moment of honesty, Weingarten’s advice highlights a weakness in the union model. If teachers disagree with the direction, they should think about halting financial support to the unions. Change is essential, and perhaps now is the time for teachers to press union leaders to adapt or face serious consequences. Their students—and their own consciences—will be all the better for it.
