New Teachers Group Challenges Unions, Fights ‘Ideological Overreach’ in Schools

By Debra Allen

As school boards across the nation become battlegrounds for ideological clashes, a new organization, the American Teachers Alliance (ATA), is positioning itself as a haven for educators seeking protection from what it describes as “political overreach” and a return to “academically sound” education. Founded earlier this year, the ATA offers an alternative to traditional teachers unions, promising legal support, professional development, and a focus on safeguarding academic freedom.

While established unions like the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) remain dominant forces, a growing number of educators are seeking alternatives. The ATA aims to fill that void, particularly attracting teachers who feel their values aren't aligned with union political agendas or who are concerned about increasingly divisive school policies.

“There’s a real sense of frustration among many teachers,” says one educator who recently joined the ATA after years as a union member. “They feel like they’re being asked to promote ideologies that they don’t agree with, and they’re afraid to speak up. The ATA offers a safe space for teachers to advocate for their beliefs and for their students.”

A Response to Changing Educational Landscape
The ATA's emergence comes at a critical moment. Schools are grappling with heated debates over curriculum content – particularly around issues of race, gender identity, and American history. Policies related to parental rights, student pronouns, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives have become flashpoints in communities across the country.

The organization points to recent court cases as evidence of a growing need for legal protection for teachers who feel their rights are being violated. The ATA highlights the case of Peter Vlaming, a Virginia teacher who successfully challenged a school board policy that required him to use a student’s preferred pronouns, and Jessica Geraghty, a Rhode Island teacher granted a preliminary injunction against being forced to use a student's preferred pronouns. These victories, the ATA claims, demonstrate a growing recognition of teachers' rights to religious freedom and freedom of conscience.

“These cases are a wake-up call,” says a legal analyst familiar with the cases. “Teachers are increasingly finding themselves caught in the middle of culture wars, and they need legal support to protect their rights.”

Legal Challenges and Funding Sources
The ATA's founder, Amy Marshall, launched the organization after feeling frustrated with the direction of traditional teachers’ unions. She says her experiences with politically charged trainings in her former district led her to believe a different kind of advocacy was needed. While the specific details of the alleged retaliation in her former district remain unconfirmed, several educators echo her frustrations.

The ATA operates as a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, which allows it to engage in political advocacy, albeit with less transparency regarding its funding sources. Unlike traditional unions, which receive funding through mandatory membership dues, the ATA relies on voluntary contributions and private donations. This funding model has raised some eyebrows among union critics, who question the organization's financial sustainability and potential influence from outside groups.

“It’s important to understand where the money is coming from,” says a political analyst specializing in education policy. “501(c)(4) organizations can be used to advance specific agendas, and it’s crucial to know who is funding those agendas.”

The Rise of Alternative Teacher Groups
The ATA isn’t the only organization challenging the status quo in the education sector. The Association of American Educators (AAE), a non-union professional association, has also seen a surge in membership in recent years, attracting teachers who seek a more moderate and less political approach to advocacy.

“There’s a growing demand for alternatives to traditional unions,” says a spokesperson for the AAE. “Teachers want to be part of an organization that represents their interests without imposing a particular political ideology.”

However, traditional unions remain a powerful force in education, representing the vast majority of teachers in many states. The NEA and AFT have also been actively fighting against policies they view as harmful to students and teachers, such as school voucher programs and standardized testing.

“We’re committed to fighting for the rights of all students and teachers,” says a representative for the NEA. “We believe that public education is a fundamental right, and we’re going to continue to fight for policies that support that right.”

DEI Policies and the Debate over ‘Unlearning Whiteness’
The ATA has been particularly critical of what it describes as “ideological indoctrination” in schools, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The organization alleges that some school districts are spending significant funds on trainings that promote divisive and harmful ideologies.

The ATA points to instances in Oakland Unified School District and other districts where funds were allocated to DEI programs, including anti-racism training. While the specifics of these programs vary, the ATA argues they often focus on concepts like “unlearning whiteness,” which they view as inherently divisive and discriminatory.

“We believe that all students should be treated equally, regardless of their race or background,” says a spokesperson for the ATA. “We’re concerned that some DEI programs are actually promoting division and resentment.”

The debate over DEI initiatives is complex and multifaceted. Proponents argue that DEI programs are essential for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. Critics argue that they can be divisive and harmful, and that they can promote a narrow and biased worldview.

Looking Ahead
The ATA's future remains uncertain. The organization faces the challenge of building a strong and sustainable membership base, securing funding, and competing with established unions. However, the organization's message resonates with a growing number of educators who are disillusioned with the status quo.

As the debate over education policy intensifies, the ATA is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of American schools. Whether it will succeed in challenging the dominance of traditional unions remains to be seen, but its emergence is a clear sign that the education landscape is changing. “There’s a real desire for change,” says one teacher who recently joined the ATA. “Teachers want to be part of an organization that represents their values and protects their rights. We're looking for a place where we can focus on teaching and supporting our students, without being forced to promote ideologies we don't agree with.