Corey A. DeAngelis, a prominent figure in the school choice movement, issued a stark statement on social media on August 2, 2025.
"Abolish teachers unions." The tweet by DeAngelis, widely recognized as a "school choice evangelist," highlights his consistent advocacy for parental rights and educational freedom, positioning him as a vocal critic of traditional public education structures and union influence. This direct call reignites a long-standing debate over the role and impact of teachers' unions on the American education system.
A senior fellow at organizations like the American Federation for Children and a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, DeAngelis argues that teachers' unions prioritize their own interests over student outcomes. He has frequently stated that unions "overplayed their hand" during the COVID-19 pandemic by pushing for prolonged school closures, which he believes fueled the "Parent Revolution" and increased demand for school choice. His recent book, "The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools," further outlines his perspective on empowering parents through educational alternatives.
Critics of teachers' unions, aligning with DeAngelis's views, often contend that unions impede educational reform, protect underperforming teachers due to tenure rules, and contribute to administrative bloat. They point to the significant political spending by unions, primarily directed towards Democratic candidates, as evidence of their focus on political influence rather than educational quality. Concerns are also raised about collective bargaining agreements that can dictate various aspects of school operations, from class sizes to teacher evaluations.
Conversely, proponents argue that teachers' unions are essential for protecting educators' rights, ensuring fair wages, and improving working conditions. Unions assert their role in advocating for adequate school funding, reducing class sizes, and providing professional development opportunities for their members. They maintain that strong unions contribute to a more stable and professional teaching force, ultimately benefiting students by attracting and retaining qualified educators.
The debate surrounding teachers' unions is deeply intertwined with broader discussions about public education reform, school choice, and government spending. While DeAngelis and other school choice advocates push for policies that allow public education funds to follow students to private or charter schools, unions often oppose such measures, viewing them as undermining public education. This ongoing ideological clash continues to shape educational policy and funding decisions across the United States.