During the summer, teachers from all over the country attend professional development conferences. These events are meant to help educators improve their teaching skills and find new ways to help students succeed. However, many parents are concerned about what is being discussed at these conferences, as the focus often shifts from academic improvement to social issues.
A recent analysis by Defending Education highlights that topics like race, social justice, and activism dominate these gatherings, rather than practical strategies for improving literacy or math skills. For example, the National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers’ union in the U.S., held its Conference on Racial and Social Justice in Portland this summer. Here, discussions centered more on activism than academics.
The NEA has openly criticized former President Donald Trump and his supporters, labeling his policies as “fascist.” At its annual assembly, the union allocated funds to oppose a Supreme Court decision that affirmed the rights of religious parents to opt their children out of LGBTQ curricula. They committed over $340,000 to initiatives aimed at countering conservative policies.
This trend is not limited to the NEA. Other organizations, like the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), are also focusing on social issues in their conferences. The NCTE’s 2024 conference includes sessions on LGBTQ themes and antiracist education. Even subjects like math are being infused with social justice themes, as seen in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) upcoming conference, which will address topics like antiracist math and social justice.
Workshops at these conferences encourage teachers to use their classrooms as platforms for activism. For instance, one session taught educators how to use storytelling to combat what they call “anti-truth” legislation. Another warned about perceived threats from “White Christian nationalist forces.” Teachers are encouraged to affirm students’ gender identities and resist curriculum challenges.
While many parents worry about declining literacy and math scores, these conferences often prioritize discussions about social issues over academic performance. Some educators are even adopting new teaching methods that focus on political activism rather than traditional learning.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) also follows this trend, with recent sessions addressing racial harm and climate activism. They acknowledged that the pandemic severely impacted student literacy, yet they played a significant role in keeping schools closed during COVID, which contributed to the learning setbacks reflected in recent assessments.
Furthermore, some educators are turning to ethnic studies programs that frame history through a victim-oppressor lens. A recent summer institute promoted by the Xicanx Institute for Teaching and Organizing encouraged teachers to view education as a tool for political activism.
The common theme across these events is a push for activism among students, often at the expense of academic achievement. Critics argue that this approach risks fostering a mindset of helplessness among students, rather than encouraging them to take initiative and succeed.
As summer training conferences continue, the focus appears to be shifting away from improving educational outcomes and towards promoting political activism, raising concerns about the priorities of the education system.
