The head of the nation's second-largest teachers union, Randi Weingarten, raised eyebrows Tuesday for claiming that the union had worked hard to reopen schools during the pandemic.

Weingarten's statement was part of a press release by the American Federation of Teachers commemorating Teacher Appreciation Week. The union famously opposed efforts to reopen schools and pressed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to change its guidelines on school reopenings to allow for more districts to stay closed.


"Teachers, together with parents and caregivers, have helped carry our kids through a tumultuous few years, working to safely reopen our classrooms so that kids and families could bounce back academically, socially and emotionally," Weingarten said. "From reading, writing and arithmetic, to building lasting relationships, teachers instill in our students a lifelong love of learning and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to become critical thinkers and engaged citizens."

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The union president also took the opportunity to praise teachers for weathering "ongoing political interference, attacks on public education, disrespect for their professionalism, and a seemingly endless struggle for resources" and "[rising] to the occasion over and over to help prepare every child for whatever comes next."

Weingarten was roundly criticized for her comments, with the American Federation for Children's director of research, teachers union critic Corey DeAngelis, noting the union's role in preventing public schools from opening in various parts of the country, including by influencing the CDC's guidelines on reopening schools.


Weingarten was also mocked for expressing concerns about mental health as a result of closed schools, with critics accusing her of ignoring the union's role in the problem.

"For two years of disruption, two years of looking at the screens, two years of not having a normal kind of routine and rhythm, recovery is really tough," Weingarten said.


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The union had opposed reopening efforts in several jurisdictions. In Chicago, the Chicago Teachers Union, an affiliate of the AFT, went on strike for several days in January in a bid to force the city's public schools to return to virtual instructions for several weeks.