Why fascists fear teachers : public education and the future of democracy / Randi Weingarten.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Weingarten, Randi, Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Education--Political aspects--United States.

Education.

Education--Social aspects--United States.

Education and state--United States.

Education and state.

Education--Aims and objectives--United States.

Social contract.

Fascism and education.

Genre:

Informational works.

Physical Description:

244 pages ; 22 cm

Other Title:

Public education and the future of democracy

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Thesis, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, [2025]

Summary:

"America's most influential teacher's union leader tells the anti-fascist history of public education, warning that American teachers today are under a new fascist assault--from book bans to culture wars and organized groups of "concerned" parents dictating what can be taught"-- Provided by publisher.

"A rousing defense of public education as the cornerstone of American democracy, by the woman attacked by the far right as "the most dangerous person in the world." Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum. Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves. As the head of one of the largest teachers' unions in America, Randi Weingarten is among the last lines of defense for American public education. For decades, she has sounded the alarm that attacks on teachers are part of a larger, darker agenda--to undermine democracy, opportunity, and public education as we know it. After the Trump administration declared its intention to dismantle the Department of Education, that alarm became undeniable. This book tells the story of what teachers do and why those who are afraid of freedom and opportunity try to stop them. It explains why all Americans should care about attacks on schools and teachers--whether they have school-aged children or not. In the past as today, the fate of the United States is inexorably intertwined with the fate of public education. Drawing on history, stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America's public schools, Weingarten argues that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators. She encourages teachers to continue focusing on their vital mission to help young people thrive--creating opportunity in safe and welcoming classrooms, promoting tolerance, and teaching problem solving, critical thinking, and healthy debate. She cautions against censorship and complacency, looking to the past to warn us all about what can happen if we devalue teachers and public schools. A manifesto for our time, Why Fascists Fear Teachers is necessary reading for every American worried about the future of our democracy." -- Publisher's description

Contents:

Teachers teach critical thinking

Teachers foster safe and welcoming communities

Teachers create opportunity

Teachers build strong unions

Conclusion : the way forward

for all.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-244).

Other Format:

Online version Weingarten, Randi Why fascists fear teachers

ISBN:

9798217045419

OCLC:

1528596112

Publisher Number:

90102673569