Teachers and the Republican Party

Why is education under fire in America? Why is the perception out there that Republicans are against teachers and the public school system?

Comments like this one on Facebook don't help. This extreme right-wing conservative wrote:

"I'm going to stop buying Exxon or Mobil gas as long as they run these 'let's invest in our teacher' ads."

Isn't that a bit over the top? Are Republicans throwing the baby out with the bath water in their war with teachers unions? Why is investing in teachers a bad thing? Isn't that actually investing in our kids?

When talking recently with a local teacher, I was saddened to hear her make a comment about Republicans being anti-education. I don't think that perception is good for those on my side of the political aisle.

While listening to public school teachers talk about their profession, their love of teaching and concern for their students comes through as they share classroom stories but also their frustration with out-of-touch rules, lack of respect, and the hit to their personal finances. There has to be some way to resolve the standoff between teachers and Republicans.