A poll by the College Board of battleground states is consistent with recent NEA research among members and voters in many ways. Some seventy percent of independent women in nine swing states view education as "extremely important," as voters in those states overall put education right behind jobs and the economy as a key issue, a new private survey shows. Like this survey, NEA's research has shown that both members and the general public believe that strengthening public education is critical as we get our nation back on track and compete in the global economy. 

“American Teacher,” a new full-length documentary film opening nationwide on September 30, seeks to counteract popular misconceptions about the teaching profession by showing, in a style of close-up realism, what teachers actually do and what their lives are really like—and how continued neglect of the profession may be jeopardizing the nation's future. NEA agrees with most of the documentary’s 75 minutes. However, five minutes, late in the film, in which “solutions” are introduced are problematic.

A barrel-chested comic book character must save public education? Compelling soundbite to sell a movie maybe but when it comes to real education reform, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel gives the American public more credit than the backers of Waiting for Superman. “Nowhere in the film or its discussion have teachers’ voices been heard,” says Van Roekel. “If you want to know how to make a public school great, ask a teacher, not Hollywood.”

In his statement to the media, Van Roekel pointed out that director Davis Guggenheim and the film’s producers missed an opportunity to talk with educators about how to truly transform public education. Instead, the film — and the unblinking cheerleaders it found in such media figures as Oprah Winfrey — demonizes public education, teachers unions and educators. It’s simplistic messaging — charters are good and teachers unions are bad — thwarts thoughtful discussions about improving public schools.