Educator Claims Teachers Unions Prioritize Power Over Instruction

Michael Greer, a retired special education teacher and former union president, has accused the National Education Association (NEA) and the California Teachers Association (CTA) of abandoning classroom instruction for political influence. Greer, who has 26 years of membership in both unions and previously served as a local CTA chapter president, stated that the organizations are "no longer focused on children."

Greer, who now chairs the Del Norte County Republican Party, told Fox News Digital that union priorities have changed since his early involvement. He recalled union conferences that once focused on practical instructional workshops for teaching reading, math, and science. "That has changed completely," Greer said, adding that the focus is now on teaching teachers "how to become union members, how to go on strike, and how to gain social justice power."

Union Spending on Political Activity

Greer's claims are accompanied by independent analyses detailing significant spending by teachers unions on political activities. The North American Values Institute (NAVI) reported that the NEA spent at least $547 million on political activity and advocacy between fiscal years 2016 and 2025. This figure includes $458.9 million for political and lobbying expenditures and $88.2 million in direct contributions to progressive organizations. NAVI also found that the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) reported $383.2 million in political activity and lobbying during the same timeframe.

A separate report from Parents Defending Education indicated that national teachers unions have channeled over $660 million to left-wing political groups and causes since 2015. When state and local affiliates are included, the total political spending by these unions exceeds $1 billion, according to the same report. Recipients identified by Parents Defending Education include Democratic-aligned PACs like the Senate Majority PAC and House Majority PAC, and progressive groups such as the State Engagement Fund and the For Our Future Action Fund.

Greer noted that this shift in spending priorities has altered the unions' focus from teaching to political power and social change. He also mentioned that national student achievement remains stagnant, with federal data showing about three in 10 students proficient in math and reading, despite substantial federal funding. Greer acknowledged that the CTA does fund teachers to attend both Republican and Democratic state conventions, covering up to $800 for travel and hotel costs. However, he stated that speaking out against the union's political focus has made him an outlier, as he believes the unions are "helping themselves gain the power to alter laws and regulations" rather than helping teachers on the ground floor of instruction.

What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated reports mentioned that the CTA funds teachers to attend both Republican and Democratic state conventions, a detail included in the centre-rated report and the full report from U-S-News.com. No left-rated outlet ran this story.