JUDGING THE COVER: Educators and supporters are up in arms over a Nov. 3 cover of TIME magazine, which depicts a gavel hovering perilously above an apple, accompanied by the words: “Rotten Apples.” At the heart of the issue is the notion of “tech millionaires” saving students from bad teachers by getting rid of teacher tenure--a legal drama unfolding around the country sparked by the Vergara ruling. Here’s a measured response from Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and a litany of provocative questions from educator, Jose Vilson.
An AFT petition for TIME to apologize to teachers has over 70,000 signatures, according to Diane Ravitch. The group acknowledges that the actual articles "present [a] more balanced view of the issues" but is nevertheless concerned that the public will judge the story by the cover.
Valerie Strauss of The Washington Post contrasts the cover with a 2008 cover featuring the controversial and then-D.C. public schools chancellor, Michelle Rhee, as the savior of America's schools. No wonder why some ardently believe that corporate and educator interests are ultimately misaligned.
