Teachers unions reacted with anger Tuesday to the Senate’s confirmation of Betsy DeVos to be the new education secretary, vowing to continue their pressure campaign against DeVos, a major advocate for charter schools that threaten the union’s dominance in education policy.
“DeVos’ confirmation battle has a major silver lining: The public in public education has never been more visible or more vocal, and it is not going back in the shadows. This same public — from rural towns to urban centers, from liberals to conservatives — will now serve as a check and balance, and they will be fierce fighters on behalf of children. I am honored to be a soldier in that movement for children,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.6 million-member American Federation of Teachers.
