# Member of largest teachers union in US claims org is ‘no longer focused on children,’ only ‘political power’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/member-of-largest-teachers-union-in-us-claims-org-is-no-longer-focused-on-children-only-political-power/
- Published: 2026-11-07T21:00:58+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T21:22:08+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/media/member-largest-teachers-union-us-claims-organization-no-longer-focused-children-only-power
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Former union member says teaching support has given way to political activity.
- NEA reported at least $547 million in political activity and advocacy.
- Student proficiency in maths and reading remains around three in 10.

## Summary

Michael Greer, a retired special education teacher and former union chapter president, says the National Education Association (NEA) and California Teachers Association (CTA) have shifted their focus from improving teaching to building political influence. His criticism comes as reports document substantial union spending on political activity, renewing debate over what teachers’ unions prioritise and how that relates to student achievement.

An analysis by the North American Values Institute says the NEA spent at least $547 million on political activity and advocacy from 2016 to 2025, while the American Federation of Teachers reported $383.2 million in political activity and lobbying over the same period. Parents Defending Education separately estimates that national unions have directed more than $660 million to left-wing political groups and causes since 2015, rising above $1 billion when state and local affiliates are included. The article also notes that around three in 10 US students are proficient in maths and reading; the supplied text ends mid-sentence while describing the CTA’s political relationships.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.