Report Reveals Teachers Unions Sent $43 Million to Left-Leaning Political Groups

What Happened

A new report from the watchdog group Defending Education claims that the two largest teachers unions in the United States have funneled over $43 million to left-leaning political organizations and causes since 2022. The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) reportedly disclosed the spending to the Department of Labor.

The money was not directed toward teacher support or classroom improvements. Instead, it went to a network of political action committees, advocacy groups, and think tanks aligned with progressive causes and Democratic campaigns. Recipients included the Senate Majority PAC, House Majority PAC, Future Forward, the Center for American Progress, and dark money groups such as the Tides Network, the Sixteen Thirty Fund, and the New Venture Fund.

The report has sparked criticism from education advocates and union members who argue that union dues should be focused on representing teachers, improving classrooms, and helping students succeed rather than national politics.

Why It Matters

Teachers unions hold heavy influence over public education policy and funding across the country. Millions of teachers pay dues each year expecting their unions to represent their professional needs—negotiating better pay, safer classrooms, and quality learning environments.

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According to Defending Education, that is not where the majority of funding is going. The report highlights that only about 10% of the NEA’s spending is allocated to representational activity like contract bargaining or job protection. In contrast, roughly 38% is directed toward political and ideological causes with no direct link to teaching or student performance.

Critics say this is a misuse of resources that should be serving the people working in schools. Some teachers and parents see the report as confirmation of long-standing concerns that major unions have become more focused on political activism than education. This is particularly concerning for families who feel schools are falling short in core academic areas like reading, math, and civics.

Union leaders have defended their political spending in the past by arguing that education policy is shaped by national legislation. They say supporting certain groups helps promote values like equity and inclusion in schools. But not all members agree with the political direction, and the lack of transparency in how dues are spent is fueling renewed calls for reform.

How It Affects Readers

For educators, the report raises questions about how their dues are being used and whether those funds align with their values. Teachers who joined unions expecting workplace representation may now feel that their money is being diverted toward causes they did not sign up to support.

For parents and taxpayers, the findings draw attention to how education dollars are being used beyond the classroom. With academic performance slipping across the country, the focus on politics over policy is likely to deepen frustration with school leadership.

The report may also influence ongoing debates about school funding, union reform, and the role of political ideology in public education. Some states may push for increased financial transparency from unions, while others could consider legislation giving teachers more control over where their dues go.

As political spending in education becomes more visible, so do the questions around accountability and priorities. Whether or not the unions change course, the spotlight is now on how much of their influence is rooted in education—and how much is rooted in politics.

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