Teacher activists have been buzzing in the blogosphere about American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten’s recent change of heart. She has now called for a moratorium on linking teacher evaluation to students’ scores on standardized tests and on the new national curriculum, Common Core. Previously, Weingarten had backed both.

The reactions range from “too little, too late” to gratitude for the change. But the more important issue is that the president of a teachers union does not have the right to make a decision on a major national policy without being directed by union members. Both issues are significant enough in their impact on teachers’ careers and professional lives, as well as kids’ futures, for debate to be held in every local, votes taken, and union officials directed — not asked — to do what members voted.

No union leader, no matter how wise or dedicated, can substitute for the intelligence, wisdom, and courage of a membership that is mobilized and exercises collective control of its union. That control occurs through members at every level of the union supporting and directing those who have more organizational authority.