Teacher Unions Prioritize Political Influence Over Education

A longstanding member of the National Education Association (NEA) and the California Teachers Association (CTA) has voiced concerns about a shift in focus within major teachers unions. He claims they now prioritize political power over educational quality.

Michael Greer, a retired special education teacher with 26 years of experience, asserts that the influence of the CTA, especially in California, is immense. “It’s all about power,” Greer states, highlighting the union’s significant lobbying presence in the state and nationally through the NEA.

Greer, who has previously held leadership roles as a local CTA chapter president and a member of the Del Norte County Unified School District Board of Trustees, notes a distinct change in priorities over the years. When he first started, unions were more focused on helping teachers improve instruction in subjects like reading, math, and science. Conferences offered practical workshops and training to enhance teaching skills. Now, he feels the emphasis has shifted away from classroom support.

“We took those programs back and taught our colleagues how to implement them. That has changed completely,” Greer remarks.

Recent analyses support Greer’s observations. Investigations by the North American Values Institute (NAVI) have found that the NEA dedicated over $547 million to political activities and advocacy from 2016 to 2025. This includes $458.9 million in lobbying and $88.2 million in donations to progressive groups. Similarly, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) reported $383.2 million in political spending over the same period. Another report by Parents Defending Education claims that teachers unions have allocated more than $660 million to left-wing causes since 2015, with total spending exceeding $1 billion when state and local affiliates are considered.

Major contributions went to Democratic-aligned political action committees and progressive organizations. Greer believes this shift in focus has transformed what unions expect from their members.

“We moved toward teaching them how to change the social system,” Greer explains.

This trend of political activism is juxtaposed against a backdrop of declining student achievement. Federal data indicates that only about 30% of students are proficient in math and reading, despite substantial federal investment in education since 1979.

Greer, also active in local Republican politics, mentions the CTA’s bipartisan engagement at state political conventions. The association funds teachers’ participation in these events regardless of political affiliation.

Despite this cross-party initiative, Greer’s vocal criticism of the unions’ focus on political power makes him an outlier. Known for challenging the status quo, he is concerned about how union dues are spent and believes this activism detracts from educational priorities.

“They are no longer focused on children and what they are learning,” he states.

Attempts to receive comments from the NEA and CTA were unsuccessful. Joshua Q. Nelson, the Fox News Digital reporter for this story, specializes in cultural trends, education, and public policy, and covers various national issues including those related to education policy and immigration.