We Rally in Support of Public Education

by C. Jean Kasselman, Ph.D.

A recent KCStar piece posited that activists who rally related to the DeVos visit to KC are protesting Ms. DeVos. While many activists are concerned that DeVos has no background, professional preparation, or experience in public schooling and supports public funding for charter/private schools, there is a larger reason.

Activist groups advocate FOR public schools, special education, school mental health professionals, teacher  education programs, student safety and protections, adequate funding, coherent and research-based curricula and instruction, and professional treatment of teachers.

Why did politicians decide they know more about education than education pros?  

When education stops being used as a political wedge and when education pros are in charge again, American public education will improve. There's no personal animus/protest against DeVos. Our angst is the prolonged, unhelpful, political attack on our profession and expertise. Our "protest" is against the damage done to generations of students and, thus, to our democracy. And until these attacks stop, we'll see you on the streets.

We'll never give up on our students and their futures.

---