To the Point
Are Teachers Under Fire?
In this era of political polarization, public school teachers are getting heat from both sides: leftist reformers and right-wing union busters. We hear how demoralized teachers are responding to some of the harshest attacks. Also, President Obama says Gadhafi must go, and two presidents try to resolve tensions between the United States and Mexico.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenIn this era of political polarization, public school teachers are getting heat from both sides: leftist reformers and right-wing union busters. We hear how demoralized teachers are responding to some of the harshest attacks. Also, President Obama says Gadhafi must go. On Reporter's Notebook, Presidents Obama and Calderón address free trade, organized crime and other issues.
Banner image: Patricia Fairclough, a reading coach teacher and the 2010 teacher of the year, joins a protest against possible cuts in funding for arts programs in the schools on March 2, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesObama says Gadhafi Must Go
At a joint news conference with Mexico's President Felipe Calderón, Barack Obama had harsh words for Moammar Gadhafi, saying that Libya's President had "lost the legitimacy to lead" and must leave, adding that "the aspirations of the Libyan people for freedom, democracy and dignity must be met."
Read the story8 minEducation, State Finance and Teacher Bashing
The top priority for most Americans is education, and public school teachers around the country say the past two years have been a nightmare. Reformers, from the President on down, are pushing to abolish seniority, hold teachers accountable for student performance and even close some schools altogether.
Read the story37 minObama Meets Mexico's President Calderon
The presidents of Mexico and the United States met in Washington today to try to improve relations the two countries, which have suffered over the release of US diplomatic cables critical of Mexico's handling of its drug war and last month's murder of an American law enforcement officer on a busy Mexican highway.
Read the story6 min
