It's the Brian Larry Show on WNYC.

Good morning again, everyone.

Teachers are on the front lines of democracy.

That's the argument made by Randy Weingarten, president of the

American Federation of Teachers, former president of the local New York City chapter, in her new

book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, Public Education, and the Future of Democracy. In it,

she traces a long history of authoritarian leaders, Hitler, Mussolini, Putin,

and she cites right-wing activists here in the United States seeking to control or discredit teachers.

Why? Because she says education cultivates the habits of democracy, critical thinking,

pluralism, opportunity, and collective action.

We'll talk with Randy Weingarten about why she believes public schools are

democracy's engine and what she thinks today's attacks on teachers reveal about the political

moment we're in and what she thinks anyone should do about it.

We'll also get into some issues in the news like why she recently quit the Democratic National

Committee. Randy Weingarten, welcome back to WNYC.

Oh, Brian, it is my honor. Every time I talk to you, I feel, you know, the connection to

New York City. So thank you for having me on.

That's very nice. Thank you very much. And listeners, we love to hear from you.

Did a teacher in your life help you think more critically or help you see a role as a citizen differently?

How is your experience with public education shaped the way you view democracy?

You know, President Trump and his allies argue schools don't always open students' minds,

but sometimes indoctrinate them from the left.

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