I enjoyed working with Chicago-area high school history teachers all this morning, discussing the European Wars of Religion.  During a coffee break and lunch break, I heard about their concerns about the current attacks on teachers and the teaching profession across the United States.

The Madison protests have certainly helped focus attention on the plight of teachers and other public workers who are being targeted for layoffs, cuts in benefits, and stripping of union rights.  Similar “reforms” and protests are now spreading to Indiana, Ohio, and other states.

The New York Times has a story today dealing directly with teachers’ sense of being under fire.