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Greetings,
December 16, 2008
New U.S. education secretary named; national unions praise
the choice
President-elect Barack Obama today named Chicago schools
chief Arne Duncan as his education secretary. The presidents of
both major educator unions have praised the selection:
Read NEA's press release on Arne Duncan:
Read AFT's press release on Arne Duncan:
I have been in touch with officials from both national
unions today, and here is what they have told me about
Duncan:
He has been an active school superintendent, has been
supportive of collective bargaining rights for educators and is
willing to work with all stakeholders.
He believes in raising expectations for everyone - students,
educators, and parents - and believes that accountability means
continuous, steady improvement that doesn't happen in just one
or two years.
He opposes school vouchers, but supports charter schools and
has shut down some low-performing schools in Chicago.
He has negotiated an alternative pay program for teachers in
some Chicago schools, one which Chicago Teachers Union President
Marilyn Stewart praised for its amount of teacher input.
In short, this selection fits the mold of other Obama
cabinet appointments - Duncan is a reformer who gets input from
all sides and he doesn't fall squarely in any ideological camp.
Overall, he is viewed as a positive appointment for
educators.
We will watch this and the other top federal education
appointments and keep you informed as the new U.S. education
department takes shape.
In solidarity,
Tom Dooher
President
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