Teachers as Everyday Spokespeople

• In Event: 67.062 - Teachers' Perspectives on Curriculum and School Policy in the United States and Europe

Abstract

The 2016 Massachusetts ballot included a referendum that proposed dramatically increasing the allowed number of charter schools. Despite the preconditions favoring the pro-expansion side, including an $18 million pledge, a 25% lead in the polls, and the support of the popular governor, the opposition—led by teachers’ unions—flipped the vote. What factors explain their victory? Drawing on 84 interviews and fieldwork observing both campaigns, I argue that the most decisive factor was how the teachers’ unions fought back by mobilizing teachers as campaign messengers. I put forth the concept everyday spokespeople to illuminate teachers’ specific characteristics and the organizing processes that led to this historic win.

Author

• Kyla Walters, Sonoma State University