We are still in the woods of Maine (returning home shortly), but even here we've got enough bandwidth to hear that Harris picked former teacher Tim Walz as her VP, which seems like good news. My sense of optimism is always tempered, and I am not excited about some of the arguments being made ("we have big rallies so clearly we should win" is a Trump talking point, and pep rallies don't vote), but I am unreasonably pleased that my generation (that's Generation Jones, not the Baby Boomers) is represented. And "former teacher" is no automatic qualification (edu-disaster Ryan Walters is a former teacher), but it's still nice to see the Walz teaching couple in this spot. Yeah, I'm feeling positive about all of this week's news.
Most of all, it's important to remember that the Trump team's strategy for taking the White House is not entirely based on getting the most votes. I suppose there' a world in which Harris wins by so many votes that attempts to overturn the results can't get enough steam, but I'm going to count on it.
But like many people, I find that Walz reminds me of a few people I have known and worked with, in a good way. And I like a campaign that has some positivity to it. And personally, I would vote for my dog before I voted for Trump (and my dog passed away over a year ago).
Depths of Maine aside, I still have reading for you. Enjoy.
Bixby Superintendent Responds To Ryan Walters
There has been a great deal of pushback against Oklahoma's education dudebro-in-chief and his Bible edict, but one of the most vocal has been Rob Miller, Bixby superintendent, who doesn't much like being called a liar.
FFRF urging Tenn. school district to stop promoting religion at mandatory teacher event
Freedom From Religion Foundation issues a statement about a school that holds mandatory Christian teacher in-service sessions.
A superintendent made big gains with English learners. His success may have been his downfall
Kavitha Cardoza at Hechinger with a depressing story from Alabama, where a superintendent has huge success with teaching immigrant children and part of the community sees that as making Those People too comfortable and welcome here where they're not wanted. A reminder that sometimes local control leads to bad stuff.
The Freshman: How Tim Walz Went From the Classroom to Congress
You've read a few hundred pieces mining the same pile of information, but do check out this archival piece from Ed Week. Way back in 2007, they interviewed a small town teacher who ran for political office and won.
Tim Walz helps Democrats make the ‘prairie populist’ case for public schools
Also recommend this Erica Meltzer piece at Chalkbeat looking at Walz and educxation.
In now-delayed book, Heritage president details MAGA plans to remake education: “America's teachers have gone insane"
If you thought Project 2025 was harsh, wait till you get a look at what Heritage honcho Kevin Roberts has to say about education.
Moms for Liberty’s Plan to “Light up” School Board Fizzles Out
Yeah, Alaska deals with this stuff, too. Matthew Beck of The Blue Alaskan reports on a not-so-successful attempt by M4L to throw their weight around.
Should Religious Schools Be Publicly Funded? Issues of Religion, Discrimination, and Equity
Academic wonkiness from Taylor and Francis, but still worth a look at positions on these policy questions.
Keri Rodrigues and Walton Allies Join to Solve a Biiiiig Problem
Maurice Cunningham looks at who the National Parents Union proposes should look at the BIG problems of education at SXSWED.
PopSugar, the lifestyle media thingy, is running a set of 24 profiles of teachers, and it's a pleasantly positive reminder of the kinds of folks out there in the trenches. Heavy on the warm fuzzies, light on the academics, but still an encouraging batch of profiles.
"Universal" School Vouchers Cost States Billions
Steve Nuzum has written a pretty good explainer of universal vouchers, looking at the South Carolina shenanigans that have come along with them.
“Vouchers Hurt Ohio” Lawsuit Tests Constitutional Protection of Equal Access to Public Schooling
Ohio is getting sued over its problematic school choice program. Jan Resseger can explain what's going on for you.
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What's your take on the fact that Kamala Harris was installed as the Democrat presidential candidate without any public voting and on the grounds that Biden reluctantly quit after being convinced he would cause the loss of down-ballot tickets? He is considered healthy enough to still be president so he simply chose to quit the campaign. Has this process been fair to the voters? How should history teachers explain this process to high school students this fall? Asking for a friend ...
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