Hence the problem with the American Federation of Teachers union: it gives educators zero incentive to be more effective because they can’t be fired for it. I still believe the vast majority of teachers are fantastic, but it’s undeniable there is a sizable number who abuse their job security and we have their union to thank for it.

(CNS News) — The head of the American Federation of Teachers on Monday complained about “those who blame teachers for everything that goes wrong in our schools. . . but do nothing to support us in our work.”

In a speech at the AFT’s conference in Washington, Randi Weingarten did not name names, but she did mention “so-called reformers” and those “on high” who try to improve education with “one-size-fits-all” remedies.

“It’s time to stop talking about the importance of teacher quality. It’s time to start building a high-quality education system by cultivating high-quality educators — from excellent teacher colleges, with ample clinical experience, focused induction, and ongoing professional support throughout a teacher’s career, in an environment that fosters respect.”

Weingarten called for “new reality,” in which teaching becomes a “sustainable profession” rather than a “service project” or a temporary job.

She criticized those who view teachers as “an itinerant sweatshop workforce” where teachers “parachute in for a couple of years, work to the point of burnout, and then go on with their lives elsewhere.”