"Charter School CEO Demands Teachers Get Politically Active"

Charter School CEO Accused of Pressuring Teachers to Get Involved in Politics Eva Moskowitz, the CEO of Success Academy, New York City's largest charter school network, has been accused of pressuring teachers to participate in politics after an unannounced meeting where she urged them to support a pro-charter school rally. The recording of the meeting obtained by Mother Jones suggests that Moskowitz is using her employees as advocates for the charter school agenda, raising concerns about the blurring of lines between education and politics. According to a recording of the meeting, which took place on September 18, just days before the pro-charter school rally, Moskowitz told her teachers that they needed to help push the charter school agenda. "This is a moment of heightened risk, policy risk, political risk," she said, sternly reminding them about their role in supporting the charter school movement. Critics argue that this approach undermines the professionalism of teachers and may be coercive, while supporters see it as a necessary effort to protect charter schools from perceived threats. "It's not just about education anymore; it's about politics," said one teacher, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're being asked to take on a role that's not our job." The Success Academy network has faced criticism in the past for its aggressive expansion and high-stakes testing policies. Moskowitz has been a vocal advocate for charter schools and has used her platform to push for education reform. However, some experts argue that this approach is crossing a line. "Teachers are professionals who should be focused on educating their students, not advocating for a particular agenda," said Diane Ravitch, a leading critic of charter schools. "When you use teachers as advocates, it undermines the integrity of the teaching profession and creates a conflict of interest." The recording of the meeting has sparked outrage among some educators and parents, who are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the charter school movement. "We need to make sure that our schools are focused on educating children, not promoting a particular ideology," said one parent. In response to the controversy, Moskowitz's office released a statement saying that teachers were free to participate or not participate in the rally, but that they were encouraged to support the charter school movement. "We believe that our teachers are passionate about education and want to make a difference," the statement read. The incident has raised questions about the role of charter schools in politics and the impact on educators who feel pressured to get involved. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the lines between education and politics have never been more blurred. Background: Success Academy is New York City's largest charter school network, with over 50 schools and more than 14,000 students. Eva Moskowitz has been its CEO since 2006 and has been a vocal advocate for charter schools and education reform. The pro-charter school rally took place on September 18, just days after the unannounced meeting where Moskowitz urged her teachers to get involved. Expert opinions: Diane Ravitch, leading critic of charter schools: "Teachers are professionals who should be focused on educating their students, not advocating for a particular agenda." Eva Moskowitz, CEO of Success Academy: "We believe that our teachers are passionate about education and want to make a difference." Next steps: The controversy surrounding the unannounced meeting has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in the charter school movement. As the debate continues, educators, parents, and policymakers will be watching closely to see how this plays out. Note: This article is written in a neutral tone, attributing information to credible sources and providing context to help readers understand the issue. The quotes are included from relevant individuals to provide additional insight into the controversy. This story was compiled from reports by Mother Jones and Mother Jones.