This election season, vote for those who support public education. The future of our state and nation depend on leadership that supports the mission of public education.

Governor Bill Lee has made a monumental mistake. He has insulted the teachers of Tennessee through the sin of omission. Although he didn't personally say the disparaging remarks that have angered the educators of TN, he has refused to discount the remarks of Hillsdale College president, Larry Arnn. In fact, he has doubled down on his silence. It is obvious that he is so entrenched with Mr. Arnn and his vision for schools, that he is unwilling to come out publicly against him. Let's break this down, for those who haven't watched the video. In a conference in Cool Springs, Mr. Arnn said, "Education destroys generations of people. It's devastating. It's like the plague." 

All teachers know that education lifts up society. The more generations we have of educated people, the more opportunities for advancement and living a life free of hardship are available. Nothing is ever perfect, but it is one thing our founding fathers knew that this country needed in order to continue being a power and influence on the world stage. Mr. Arnn then began to belittle teachers and the teaching profession by saying, "Education. It's easy. You don't have to know anything." " They (teachers) feel entitled to do anything to them(children)" "you don't have to be an expert to educate a child because basically, anybody can do it." and about the programs where teachers are educated..."They are the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges." Our governor sat there sipping water throughout the whole speech. Governor Lee said at the conference that Hillsdale College has "A vision for educating children in this state that I believe is a vision that Tennesseans will embrace." When asked why he would not repudiate what Larry Arnn said, Governor Lee's response was. "It wasn't about Tn teachers. It was about activism in education in this country." Really governor? That's all you have to say? Your silence is deafening! Teachers all over this country stand together in solidarity. You insult one, you insult all. Our teaching colleges and universities are amazing programs that have continued to grow and progress with national research based trends and keep the needs of the child first. What we absolutely understand from this situation is that your goal is to silence teachers. He is worried about activism in education. Teachers have to be aware of what is going on politically in their state because it is the politicians who make decisions on how and what we teach and what our rights are as a profession. Maybe if politicians weren't so involved, we wouldn't have to be so "ACTIVE" which is what scares Governor Lee. He is afraid because teachers are smart and active and loud when they are displeased. Teachers, it is time to let him know just how displeased we are when we go to the polls. If you don't consider this your call to action, then watch him privatize and ruin our public school system.