The problem is that conservatives have to go "undercover" during their undergrad, postgrad, and certification processes in order to get good grades and certification.
The professors are liberals - those in charge of curriculum are liberals...and if you show your conservative stripes the grades suffer for it.
Yes, but once in the trenches, they can teach! It may not be easy, but it's worthy.
My professors are conservative and promote the Christian Educators Association International instead of teachers unions.
You can find good education professors who are not liberal.
One must just know where to look. If you attend a state school, you are in trouble. But, I attend a small conservative Christian school.
We also are one of the best education programs in the state and are known for producing good teachers.
Not every teacher is a liberal, nor is everyone who hires them.
Would I openly push conservative politics at the interview? No. Why would I do that? The interview is so they understand my educational philosophy and background. Obviously my conservative beliefs will impact my teaching philosophy; I am pretty teacher-centered in my style, though I believe in a lot of cooperative learning as well. But, I am not going to go on an anti-NEA rant at an interview.
There is a time and place for everything. That doesn't mean one must hide their beliefs.
My professors know I am conservative. They do not always agree with my thoughts even though most of them are conservative as well. But, I get an A because of my effort.
I don't know what traumatized you, but very few professors will give you a bad grade because you disagree with them. I had many liberal professors even here, and not one gave me an unfair grade because I disagreed with them. And I was vocal about this disagreement, sparking discussion in class. My professors LIKED that. They like discussion.
You clearly have had some bad experiences, but your bad experiences are not everybody else's experiences.