MADISON, Wis. — As Wisconsinites across the state celebrated our amazing educators this week, Derrick Van Orden spent Teacher Appreciation Week doubling down on his attacks on teachers. Van Orden has a long history of undermining public schools and those who work in them, and this week was no exception. On Tuesday, Van Orden insulted teachers by suggesting that they don’t deserve to be fairly paid. Van Orden made these disparaging comments despite the fact that Wisconsin school districts already struggle to recruit and retain teachers and current teacher pay does not keep up with rising inflation, which continues to worsen as a result of Republican-backed policies
“This week is meant to honor Wisconsin’s incredible educators who show up every day to teach our next generation of leaders, and Derrick Van Orden couldn’t even pretend to show an ounce of respect for them,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Rachel La Due. “While teachers are being celebrated across the state, Van Orden senselessly calls to cut their pay. His contempt for educators is disrespectful and disqualifying. The educators in Wisconsin’s 3rd congress district deserve a representative that will fight for them, not treat them like the enemy.”
See more on Van Orden’s attack on public education:
- Van Orden is a staunch supporter of school choice policies, which is particularly harmful to rural schools – many of which are in his district – as already underfunded schools are getting money taken away to give to private institutions.
- Van Orden tweeted “all public school teachers should be required by law to be recorded.”
- Van Orden supported the dismantling of the Department of Education.
