As teachers are preparing to return to school in the coming weeks, lesson plans and seating arrangements are likely at the top of their lists. Not sure if many are thinking of how to defend themselves against a  punch in the face.

According to CNN.com, presidential candidate Chris Christie says that the national teachers union deserves a hard punch in the nose.

Jake Tapper, host of CNN’s “State of the Union,” asked Christie who deserves a punch in the face. Christie not only said that teachers union deserves a punch but that they only care about money and membership.

“They’re for greater membership, greater benefits, greater pay for their members. And they are the single most destructive force in public education in America.”

Tough words from Christie. He’s trending downward in a crowded field of Republican presidential candidates, and making such a brash statement about teachers is sure to make waves.

While he’s not banking on the support and endorsement of teacher unions, it just doesn’t seem like a smart idea to say that the unions deserve a punch in the face. Even people who are anti-union are likely pro-teacher and this just seems a little too brash for people to take lying down.

Of course Christie is speaking figuratively but of all the things in the world to attack, this one seems really far fetched. Implying that the teachers themselves are the biggest problem facing public education is flawed on so many levels it doesn’t really deserve the dignity of a response.

Do you think this statement will help or hurt Christie in the polls?