Teachers Make Mark on Midterms

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http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/teachers-make-mark-on-midterms/

The two most powerful teachers’ unions are putting millions behind Democratic candidates around the country even though their members have railed against President Obama’s education policies.

The National Education Association, one of the nation’s largest labor unions, announced on Wednesday a $15 million television and radio buy, part of a $40 million investment in what it calls “education champions” this cycle. The smaller, but very influential American Federation of Teachers spent nearly $5.5 million before Aug. 31.

Both unions spent heavily to help elect Mr. Obama and other Democrats in 2008, but look askance at the administration’s school improvement policies like performance-based pay for teachers and staff shakeups at struggling schools. But with the next Congress likely to revise former President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind law, teachers want to be in a position to make their mark.

Karen White, the education association’s political director, said its 3.2 million members generally agree with the administration’s goals. “We share the same priorities even though we might not agree on every single tactic,” she said, praising the federal aid for teachers that Congress passed in August.