How Political Influence Shapes U.S. Schools: A Must-Read Education Book by Lonnie Palmer

The connection between politics and education is more powerful than most people realize. From funding decisions and teacher salaries to curriculum mandates and standardized testing, politics quietly shapes nearly every aspect of how American students learn. Recognizing this relationship is the foundation of meaningful reform, and that’s exactly what Lonnie Palmer explores in his powerful new book, Politics and Education in K–12 Schools.

You can read more insights from the author here: Political Influence on Education Book Blog Post.

Palmer, a seasoned educator and policy expert, pulls back the curtain on how education decisions are made at state and federal levels. His book helps readers see the connection between political influence and the real challenges teachers face daily, overcrowded classrooms, funding gaps, and policy mandates that don’t always serve students’ best interests.

Unlike theoretical analyses, Palmer’s writing is grounded in lived experience. He has worked both inside classrooms and in leadership roles, giving him a rare view of how political agendas filter into real-world teaching. Each chapter blends research, stories, and practical advice that empower educators and parents to understand, and even challenge, the forces shaping their local schools.

What makes Politics and Education in K–12 Schools stand out is its accessibility. Palmer’s insights are presented in a way that’s relatable, even for readers with little policy background. He simplifies the complexity of educational governance while inspiring readers to think critically about how to influence change from the ground up.

If you’re an educator, policymaker, or simply a parent who wants to understand the hidden side of America’s school system, this book is a must-read. It reminds us that to create better schools, we must first understand the political realities shaping them.

Grab your copy on Amazon here: Politics and Education in K–12 Schools.

This isn’t just another education book. It’s a timely guide that helps readers uncover how decisions made in political chambers ultimately determine what happens in the classroom, and what we can do about it.