Jennifer Berkshire, Contributor to The Nation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed her two most recent contributions to the magazine that highlighted the state of education in America.
Berkshire spoke about her article, “Why Teachers Are Dropping Out,” which explores why teachers are considering leaving the profession. She said the problem encompasses far more than just burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic, but frustration with recent culture wars, attacks on teacher unions and a lack of support to do their jobs.
Fewer graduates are considering teaching as a worthwhile profession, and the continued lack of enthusiasm for teaching could lead to a nationwide teaching shortage in the coming years, she added.
Berkshire then discussed her article, “How Progressives Won the School Culture War—in New Hampshire!” which showcases how Republican led culture wars, attacks on critical race theory and book censorship led to a progressive political backlash on school boards in New Hampshire, a deeply conservative state. She detailed a stunning sweep of school board elections in the state by progressive public school advocates.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.