
E23: How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education w/ Michael T. Hartney
09/06/23 • 54 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michael Hartney, a Hoover Fellow and assistant professor of Political Science at Boston College, as we dissect the influential role of teachers' unions in American politics. Michael’s unique insights shed light on how these unions operate differently from other labor unions, wielding power to impact educational policies at state and local levels. Discover how their strategic successes in competitive school board elections have allowed them to block or prevent various educational reform proposals.
As we delve deeper, we uncover the broad political stance of these unions, aligning themselves with a range of progressive issues. This episode exposes the influence of COVID on the dynamics between unions, teachers, and parents, and the way it has underscored the power these unions hold.
In the final part of our conversation, we explore the results of Michael's research on teachers' unions and their influence on school board elections. Brace yourself for some surprising revelations - the unions' endorsement of incumbents is more often driven by salary increases rather than student academic performance. Michael urges the political right not to lose sight of student academic achievement amid their focus on cultural issues. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the politics of education and the tangible impact of teachers' unions.
Help out Michael and The Conservative Classroom. Pick up your copy of his book in this link:
"How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education"
Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Follow @MichaelTHartney on X (formerly Twitter)
Michael T. Hartney's webpage
Hoover Institution website
Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michael Hartney, a Hoover Fellow and assistant professor of Political Science at Boston College, as we dissect the influential role of teachers' unions in American politics. Michael’s unique insights shed light on how these unions operate differently from other labor unions, wielding power to impact educational policies at state and local levels. Discover how their strategic successes in competitive school board elections have allowed them to block or prevent various educational reform proposals.
As we delve deeper, we uncover the broad political stance of these unions, aligning themselves with a range of progressive issues. This episode exposes the influence of COVID on the dynamics between unions, teachers, and parents, and the way it has underscored the power these unions hold.
In the final part of our conversation, we explore the results of Michael's research on teachers' unions and their influence on school board elections. Brace yourself for some surprising revelations - the unions' endorsement of incumbents is more often driven by salary increases rather than student academic performance. Michael urges the political right not to lose sight of student academic achievement amid their focus on cultural issues. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the politics of education and the tangible impact of teachers' unions.
Help out Michael and The Conservative Classroom. Pick up your copy of his book in this link:
"How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education"
Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Follow @MichaelTHartney on X (formerly Twitter)
Michael T. Hartney's webpage
Hoover Institution website
Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.
Previous Episode

E22: The Fight for Parental Rights with Julie Collier, Education Freedom Ambassador
Ever wonder how the education landscapes of California and Oklahoma compare? Join me in an enlightening conversation with Julie Collier, an Education Freedom Ambassador for Independent Women's Forum and founder of American Education Advocates, as we navigate through her intriguing journey from teacher to parent advocate, charter school founder, and education advocate. Julie shares riveting accounts of her various transitions between states and the surprising differences she encountered in each education system.
As we delve deeper, we talk about the power of parental advocacy when it comes to ensuring quality education for children. Julie Collier, a fierce advocate for her own children, stresses on the urgent need for parents to take a stand for their child's educational rights. From homeschooling to charter schools, we discuss the many alternatives available for parents dissatisfied with their child's current educational environment.
Lastly, we take a hard look at the importance of unity between parents and teachers in providing the best education possible. We confront the challenging reality of teachers unions and the impact of certain political ideologies on the public education system. Julie passionately advocates for the support of state legislators and school board members who prioritize student success and teacher support. We conclude with a lively discussion on the power of conservative symbolism in reinforcing traditional values in schools. Trust me, you don't want to miss Julie's captivating insights and wealth of experience in education advocacy.
Links mentioned in this episode:
@JuliewithPALs on X (Formerly Twitter)
@AmericanEdAdvocates on TikTok
AmericanEdAdvocates on Instagram
Julie Collier's page, Independent Women's Forum
Independent Women's Forum
American Education Advocates
For Kids & Country
Freedom Foundation
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Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.
Next Episode

E24: Never Again Starts With Me: Holocaust Education w/ Carolina Simon of Zachor Shoah
We're pulling back the curtain on Holocaust education with Carolina Simon, the brilliant mind behind Zachor Shoah. Carolina's innovative approach emphasizes not just the historical facts but the human stories that are often glossed over. We delve deep, discussing the challenges of teaching such a dark chapter of history to young people.
Get ready for an intellectual adventure that takes us from the past to the present. Carolina uncovers the connections between the Holocaust, anti-Zionism, and modern anti-Semitism. The discussion moves beyond the theoretical and into the practical, proving that understanding history is not just about the past, but about shaping our future.
Finally, we examine the role of the US Constitution and its significance in preventing the repetition of the past's monstrosities. We'll compare it with the Weimar Constitution to see how these documents can either safeguard or foster a ground for prejudice and violence. To round off our immersive journey, Carolina takes us on a virtual tour through her unique study trips, giving us a glimpse of the transformative power of walking in someone else's steps.
Pick up your copy of Carolina's book:
Beyond Auschwitz: Holocaust & Human Rights Education
Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission for qualifying purchases.
Links mentioned in today's show:
Zachor Shoah website
Zachor Shoah Shuk
Zachor Shoah on X (Formerly Twitter)
Zachor Shoah on Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.
The Conservative Classroom - E23: How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education w/ Michael T. Hartney
Transcript
Ever wonder how teachers' unions gain such a prominent role in American politics ? Are you curious about how state and local policies shape the politics of education ? Want to know what you can do at the local level to fight back against the liberal policies pushed by the teachers' unions ?
Mr. WebbWelcome to The Conservative Classroom , where we'r
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