Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers, takes her teaching duties seriously it seems, even though she’s no longer in the classroom. Her expert teacher mentality reared itself in a recent interview with Fox News host Martha McCallum, making headlines when Weingarten referred to McCallum as “sweetheart” a couple times in a condescending tone.
Randi Weingarten: “Martha, Martha, Martha — sweetheart, sweetheart, listen to me.”
McCallum: “Please don’t call me sweetheart.”
Weingarten: “…My bad.”
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/S3odqFSjvy
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) April 22, 2025
The amusing nature of the exchange – particularly McCallum’s slap down of Weingarten – is undoubtedly why those 10-30 seconds of the interview went viral.
The rest of the interview, however, will undoubtedly be overlooked by the general public. That’s unfortunate given that Weingarten and McCallum discuss an issue that many parents are concerned about, namely, the type of books and instruction that children encounter in the classroom.
During the interview, McCallum largely expresses concern that American academic scores are so low, while also wondering about the wisdom of reading LGBTQ books on pronouns to classrooms of children as young as four, the subject of a recent case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Weingarten, on the other hand, wants to ensure that classrooms make kids feel safe and that they offer a “safe and welcoming environment” that helps children “see differences and accept differences.”
These two women signify the divide over American education today, leaving the public to wonder just what schools are for.
Author Neil Postman asked the same question in his book, “The End of Education.” But according to Postman, the issue was more nuanced than that:
The question is not, Does or doesn’t public schooling create a public? The question is, What kind of public does it create? A conglomerate of self-indulgent consumers? Angry, soulless, directionless masses? Indifferent, confused citizens? Or a public imbued with confidence, a sense of purpose, a respect for learning, and tolerance.
If recent history is any indication, the self-indulgent, directionless, and confused type of citizens are the material today’s public schools are often churning out. Many parents are tired of this trend and want something more – schooling that gives children purpose, understanding, and confidence to become successful adults.
That type of schooling is achieved by “the existence of shared narratives,” Postman says.
Admittedly, “shared narratives” are what Weingarten seems to want to promote – only her shared narratives revolve around safety and acceptance. Such shared narratives are not what Postman has in mind; instead, he suggests the shared narratives of the “American Creed,” saying, “Schools are to provide the lost and lonely with a common attachment to America’s history and future, to America’s sacred symbols, to its promise of freedom.”
Ironically, that vision of schooling is similar to the one Thomas Jefferson laid out in the beginning of our Republic.
“At every [one] of these schools shall be taught reading, writing, and common arithmetic, and the books which shall be used therein for instructing the children to read shall be such as will at the same time make them acquainted with Graecian, Roman, English, and American history,” Jefferson wrote in his 1779 work, “A Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge.”
Why do our children need such instruction in the “American Creed” rather than the stuff of diversity, safety, and inclusion? The reason is because instruction in the basics, history especially, is essential to ensure that tyrannical leadership doesn’t overtake the country. And as Jefferson implies, once these elements are implemented in education, happiness, wise laws, and honest leaders are the natural outgrowth.
Powerful individuals like Weingarten like to throw their weight around these days, telling us that teaching diversity and acceptance is the be-all-end-all of education, and that things like American values will only disrupt such lessons. That may be true. But then, such lessons were never the original goal of schooling in America anyway….
—
The republication of this article is made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal.
Image Credit: NARA &DVIDS Public Domain Archive
24 comments
24 Comments
eva
April 24, 2025, 6:35 pmI get paid more than 💵$100 to 💵$500 per hour for working online. I heard about this job 3 months ago and after joining this I have earned easily 💵$20k from this without having online working skills . Simply give it a shot on the accompanying site…
REPLYHere is I started.…………>> http://Www.earnapp1.com
Debbie W.@eva
April 26, 2025, 11:35 amFind Online Jobs (8000$-95000$ Weekly) safe and secure! Easy Acces To Information. Simple in use. All the Answers. Multiple sources combined. Fast and trusted. Discover us now! Easy & Fast, 99% Match…..
REPLY.
More Details For Us →→→→ https://tinyurl.com/46fjveeh
Emma@Debbie W.
April 26, 2025, 8:11 pmStart now making every month extra $8000-$22000 or more by just doing an easy online work from home. Last month i have earned and received $19650 from this work by giving this only 3 hrs a a day.Every person can now get this work and start earning online by…
For details check ——-⫸ https://Www.netpay1.com
REPLYMartina Lawson@Debbie W.
April 30, 2025, 5:48 pmEverybody can earn 220$/h + daily 1K… You can earn from 6000-12000 a month or even more if you work as a part time Work…It’s easy, just follow instructions on this page, read it carefully from start to finish… It’s a flexible job but a good eaning opportunity..go to this site home tab for more detail thank you…….
REPLYCOPY AND OPEN →→→ https://findprofit88.pages.dev/
Jhon@eva
April 28, 2025, 9:40 pmEarn $1800+ Weekly from Home! A few months ago, I was stuck in a routine, barely making ends meet. Now, I earn $205+ a day working from home with complete flexibility! No experience? No problem. This is a real opportunity to build financial freedom on your terms.
Join now➤➤ http://www.Jobs67.com
REPLYAndreaHanson
April 25, 2025, 8:36 amI get paid more than $100 to $500 per hour for working online. I heard about this job 3 months ago and after joining this I have earned easily $20k from this without having online working skills . Simply give it a shot on the accompanying site…
REPLYHere is I started.…………>> https://Www.Earn54.Com
Gillian Bayford
April 25, 2025, 11:54 amI want to use this medium to share my incredible manifesting with Dr. Kachi, who truly changed my life. For a long time, I struggled with homelessness after losing my job as a nurse. Life felt like an endless battle, and I spent many years trying to win the lottery, hoping for a better future. But despite my efforts, I had no success and was growing increasingly frustrated. That was until I came across an amazing testimony from a woman named Natasha, who shared how Dr. Kachi helped her win the National EuroMillions jackpot. I had always loved playing EuroMillions, but winning seemed impossible for me. However, after seeing Natasha's story, I decided to reach out to Dr. Kachi prepared a special spell to help me with guaranteed lucky numbers. Within 24 hours, he provided me with the winning numbers and instructed me to play. To my amazement, I won £184.656 million in the EuroMillions! Thanks to Dr. Kachi, my life has been transformed, and my financial situation has changed for the better. I will never forget this joyful moment, as it has been the best thing to ever happen to me. If you’re struggling and seeking a way out, never give up. Dr. Kachi can help you, just as he helped me. Keep your faith and take a chance – your life could change too! contact his email [email protected] or his phone text or call number: +1 (209) 893-8075
REPLYNoel Patricio
April 26, 2025, 9:18 amA Life-Changing Experience, Dr Kachi A Testimony of Gratitude
I would like to share an extraordinary experience that has transformed my life. I came across a remarkable testimony online forum about a powerful and renowned spell caster, Dr. Kachi. At the time, I was skeptical because I had never encountered anything related to magic or spell casting before. However, the story of Dr. Kachi's work resonated with me, and I decided to give it a chance. For years, my family and I struggled financially, and despite my best efforts, I never had luck winning the lottery. I loved playing, but winning seemed impossible. Everything changed when I connected with Dr. Kachi, who provided me with a winning lottery number through a powerful spell. In just 24 hours, I was able to play the lottery and won the Lotto 6/49 prize, a remarkable $68 million cash prize, on September 27th in the Gold Ball Draw. This incredible win has completely changed my life and the financial well-being of my entire family. After 10 years of trying unsuccessfully, I am now living my dream life. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Kachi for his assistance, Dr. Kachi has truly been a blessing to me and my loved ones. I encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to Dr. Kachi for guidance. his website https://drkachispellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site or email [email protected]. Also reach him text or call +1 (209) 893-8075.Thank you once again, Dr. Kachi, for making my dreams come true.
REPLYAngela Anderson
April 27, 2025, 12:07 pmInteresting article. Thank you. I have been away from Intellectual Takeout for a few years and am glad to be back.
REPLY