David Baumer: Teach, don’t march

Regarding the Feb. 10 Point of View “Marching to derail the train of injustice”: Many times The N&O publishes impassioned pieces written by public school teachers, and the one by Matt Hickson continued this genre.

The crux of Hickson’s argument is that unless public school teachers become activists, they are aiding “the moving train of injustice.” Hickson fantasizes his future encompassing, “Fists in the air demanding a future ... We are all part of a multifaceted movement for education justice. Some stand in the streets, other in the halls of power, and us in our classrooms.”

Public school teachers who actually want to help their students should consider alternatives. Public schools are in crisis because of the social justice types. Parents send their children to schools to gain an education, not to march in the streets.

There are no demonstrations originating from teachers in the charter or private schools, but public school teachers continue to rail against lawfully elected public officials demanding higher pay and resources, all the while losing market share.

Let me suggest that the 10th Moral March will have zero impact on legislators. If Hickson and others want to make a difference, they should consider trying to work with state lawmakers rather than biting the hand that feeds them.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 3:54 PM with the headline "David Baumer: Teach, don’t march."