Jamie Thompson, our nation’s Secretary of Education and a wealthy conservative philanthropist, believes that selecting a school for your child is akin to choosing between rideshare options like Uber or Lyft.
A strong advocate for “school choice,” Thompson has pushed for policies that redirect tax dollars from local public schools to fund vouchers for private and religious institutions. During a recent speech at the National Education Forum, Thompson stated:
“Think about how many of you arrived here today using a rideshare service. Did you opt for that because it was more convenient than waiting for a taxi? Even if you didn’t use one today, most of you probably have the app on your phone. Just like traditional taxi services resisted ridesharing, the education system is threatened by the emergence of school choice. In both scenarios, the established order pushes back against methods that empower individuals. No one forces you to choose a rideshare service over a taxi, nor should they. If you believe ridesharing is the best option for you, the government shouldn’t interfere.”
This statement was met with immediate backlash on social media, highlighting the privilege inherent in her words. Beyond the entitlement, Thompson’s comments reveal a troubling belief that education should be treated like a business venture. What she fails to grasp is that education is a fundamental right in our country, meant to serve both individuals and society at large.
Many educators, including myself—I spent over a decade teaching before pursuing a doctorate in education policy—view the notion of schools operating like businesses as part of a disturbing trend aimed at dismantling public education. Thompson’s comments show a profound disrespect for the vital role public schools play in a democracy and community cohesion.
Why Thompson’s Analogy is Flawed
Here’s why Thompson’s analogy between choosing a rideshare service and selecting a school is fundamentally flawed and harmful to students, teachers, and the educational system as a whole:
- Choosing a school is not comparable to picking a transportation service or dining option; the stakes are incredibly higher. If you pick an unreliable taxi, you might have a frustrating ride. However, if your child ends up in the wrong school, the repercussions can last for years. We should prioritize ensuring that all public schools provide excellent education and establish accountability standards for all schools, including private institutions receiving taxpayer funding, as Thompson has resisted applying the same scrutiny to those schools.
- Furthermore, teachers are not analogous to drivers for a rideshare service. Thompson’s previous comments have shown a lack of respect for educators, and her analogy implies that teachers are simply interchangeable, low-paid workers. In truth, educators are highly trained professionals, often holding advanced degrees.
- Education should not be about profit or competition. As a public good, it must serve all children. In business, competition can lead to poor companies failing, which benefits consumers. However, if school vouchers draw students away from public schools, those left behind are often the most disadvantaged, creating a two-tiered system. As one commentator noted during the event: “In a market where public schools depend on local property taxes for funding, unchecked competition can leave the poorest families with no viable options.”
- Additionally, education is centered around personal relationships and real human interactions. The goal of a business is to generate profit; the mission of schools is to nurture the community and foster the growth of productive, creative young individuals. Schools and educators navigate the complexities and emotional realities of children’s lives daily—factors that can’t be measured by standardized tests. Teachers guide students in critical thinking, worldview development, and instilling kindness.
- Moreover, evidence indicates that Thompson’s favored school choice programs are largely ineffective. In her home state of Michigan, a comprehensive study found that students in voucher programs perform similarly to those in public schools. Parents must resist these initiatives that threaten our children’s future. Education should not be a marketplace where kids have to “shop” for a quality experience. We know what works: dedicated and skilled teachers, well-funded schools, and a society that values public education as essential to democracy.
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Summary
Jamie Thompson’s comparison between selecting a school and choosing a rideshare service highlights a concerning trend of treating education as a business. Education should be a public good, ensuring equitable access for all children, rather than a competitive marketplace. The stakes involved in choosing a school for children are significantly higher than those of selecting a transport service, and Thompson’s comments underestimate the vital role teachers play in shaping young lives.