Twitter's 140-character allowance wasn't enough for anonymous rapping teacher duo Two Teachers and a Microphone to talk education with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
Released just before Duncan's Twitter town hall Wednesday, the Los Angeles-based former teachers, who have turned to hip hop after they were served pink slips, rap "a letter for Mr. Duncan."
They've rapped about education issues ranging from budget cuts to standardized testing. But this time, they're shining the spotlight on Duncan, questioning his qualifications to serve as Secretary of Education and his support for charter schools, among other issues:
Public education is under attack/
By those who caused our economic collapse/
The Department of Ed put your letter on the Web/
Did you read the comments? What the teachers said?
The ex-teachers also reference Duncan's advocacy for higher teacher salaries, rapping that "your 150 Gs we don't really want it/Can't buy our respect, you already lost it."
The Education Secretary has said that teachers should earn between $60,000 and $150,000 based on performance. He reiterated his stance during the Twitter town hall Wednesday, noting that "a great, young teacher" should have the opportunity to earn an annual salary of $100,000 or more.
While Two Teachers call on the president to replace Duncan, they also offer some insight into how they think the Education Secretary should proceed in his position:
Arne Duncan, please listen/
A lot of things in our schools we're missing/
Smaller classes, arts and enrichment/
Light a fire and the kids will listen /
On the front lines, where you ought to be/
Trust teachers and communities/
Acknowledge poverty/
And talk honestly/
About race, and class, and equality!
Watch the full video below and tell us what you think.