A Union of Professionals. We are 1.7 million teachers, paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel, higher education faculty and staff, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.
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The American Federation of Teachers, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, was founded in 1916 and represents nearly 3,000 local affiliates nationwide, 43 state affiliates and 1.6 million members. Five divisions within the AFT represent the broad spectrum of the AFT’s membership: pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; and nurses and health professionals. In addition, the AFT represents approximately 80,000 early childhood educators and nearly 250,000 retiree members. The AFT is governed by its elected officers and by delegates to the union’s biennial convention, which sets union policy. Elected leaders are Randi Weingarten, president; Lorretta Johnson, secretary-treasurer; Mary Cathryn Ricker, executive vice president; and a 43-member executive council. Many well-known Americans have been AFT members, including John Dewey, Albert Einstein, Hubert Humphrey, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, former Senate Majority Leader and Ambassador to Japan Mike Mansfield, former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, and former United Nations Under-Secretary and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche.
Mission: The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.
This obstruction and lack of cooperation from the Trump administration is costing us time, resources, and lives. It’s completely unacceptable.
In a situation without precedent in American history, one president is ending his term amid a global emergency while seeking to delegitimize a successor — and floating the prospect of mounting a four-year campaign to return to power.
Schools need more resources, more frequent COVID-19 testing & action by policymakers to drive down community cases—or else educators won’t feel safe at school. These safeguards are vital & imperative.
“Principals are covering classrooms.”
Do you live in Georgia? Do you have friends or family who live in Georgia? Early voting is open!
If you or your loved ones are able to vote before Jan. 5, mask up, wash your hands, keep your distance, and cast your ballots for Reverend Raphael Warnock & Jon Ossoff. #AFTvotes
The pair of Jan. 5 runoff elections will determine control of Congress.
Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel around the country are doing everything in their power to bring connectivity to their districts’ students.
Remote learning is extra hard for millions of students who lack reliable internet at home. Wi-Fi buses are the solution in this Michigan community.
“In this pandemic, they understood the importance of having coverage."
Despite strong public interest, the Trump administration declines to extend enrollment period.
Throughout this difficult year, the tireless work that our educators, healthcare professionals, public employees, activists, and supporters do have lifted our nation out of an excruciatingly grim time. However, as we look forward to a fresh start in 2021, we want to take a moment to celebrate you and all we’ve achieved together. Every person in America deserves the right to thrive, and through the work we do in education, health care, public service and the labor movement, we fight for that right every day for our members, our families, our communities, and all those we serve.
“If you’re having holiday gatherings, please do them safely. Try to limit them to your immediate household. And if you don’t, wear masks inside, improve the ventilation.”
Shipments of the second vaccine, developed by Moderna, are set to arrive in states beginning on Monday.
“What she possessed on that day in 1951 was the clear vision to perceive the injustice she lived through every day, and the initiative to call it out, thereby giving history a shove.”
She was the teenager who gave history a shove.
Dr. Miguel Cardona is not just a proud product of public schools—he’s made strengthening public education and fighting for equity his life’s work. He will transform the Education Department to help students thrive. https://www.aft.org/press-release/aft-nomination-dr-miguel-cardona-education-secretary
WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel issued the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden nominated Miguel A. Cardona to be the next U.S. secretary of education:
Happening tonight! Join PBS NewsHour for a Zoom discussion with school support staffers. This is your chance to tell your communities about the important work you do.
RSVP: http://bit.ly/zoom12-22
Being physically distant doesn’t mean being emotionally distant. As the winter holidays approach, we must limit travel and large gatherings. Help #StopTheSpread.
Public health experts warned that large holiday gatherings would spread the coronavirus broadly. Weeks later, the data is complicated.
HAPPENING NOW: Randi Weingarten, Fed Ingram, and others join AFT Georgia members & activists to get out the vote in Savannah. #AFTvotes
While we're disappointed this package excludes state and local funds, Congress's COVID-19 emergency relief bill is absolutely vital for families, schools, kids & small businesses.
Democrats and Republicans said they had an agreement on another round of pandemic aid, including direct payments to Americans, jobless benefits and funds for businesses and vaccine distribution.
✅Direct payments of $600
✅$300 weekly enhancement in unemployment benefits
✅Extend two other unemployment programs
✅Reopen small business loan program
✅Aid for schools and childcare
✅Extend eviction protection
✅Aid for nutrition assistance
Leaders in the House and Senate reached an agreement late Sunday on a $900 billion pandemic relief bill that includes enhanced unemployment benefits and direct cash payments.
Attention, support staffers! Don't forget to RSVP for PBS NewsHour's upcoming Zoom discussion on Tuesday, 12/22. This is your chance to tell your communities about the important work you do. RSVP: http://bit.ly/zoom12-22
"As this year filled with so much loss, hardship and trauma draws to a close, I am grateful for signs of hope for the New Year."
Pres. Weingarten's monthly column in The New York Times is live now! https://www.aft.org/column/new-hope-new-year
“There are many things in this world that we can argue and debate about…but whether we should denigrate women for their professional achievements, that’s not a point on which we can argue.”
Former first lady Michelle Obama was among those coming to the defense of the future first lady, who has a doctorate in education.
Fantastic news: There may be more doses of COVID-19 vaccine than expected.
Using every drop from overfilled vials could boost available doses by up to 40 percent.
We can no longer ignore climate change as a threat to our health and safety. That’s why at our convention this year, we passed a Green New Deal resolution: To address and curb climate change, and create safe communities & good clean jobs.
“A 9-year-old girl who suffered a fatal asthma attack in 2013 has become the first person in Britain to officially have air pollution listed as a cause of death. “The principal source of her exposure was traffic emissions,” an assistant coroner said. https://t.co/DT5GIr57Ff”
Medical workers are getting vaccinated, but they will never be able to forget the horrible experiences cause by this #COVID pandemic.
Even as medical workers lined up for America’s first shots, many of them recalled nightmarish moments from the pandemic.
This is huge: Soon, Americans will be able to be tested for #COVID19 from the safety and comfort of their own home, no matter insurance status.
The new tests produce results completely at home within 15 minutes. Experts say they could be a 'game-changer' in helping people find out quickly if they need to isolate.
“It really matters that the president of the United States is an arsonist of radicalization. It will really help when that’s no longer the case.”
The president's post-election incitement expands on a tactic he has long used: stochastic terrorism.
Here’s how your state may decide when you and your colleagues are able to get vaccinate.
State and federal leaders face a host of questions in allocating the scarce vaccine even among "essential workers," like those in education.
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This emergency relief is the first step the American people need.
President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday commended the latest progress toward a bipartisan coronavirus relief package but described it as a “down payment” on what will ultimately need to be enacted early next year.
Right now, Congress is working on a much-needed COVID-19 relief to invest in public education, extend unemployment benefits, get resources to families in need, fund food and housing assistance, invest in healthcare and mental health services,.extend the Paycheck Protection Program, and provide funds for vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing and tracing.
We need YOU to write to your lawmakers and tell them to pass this emergency COVID-19 funding, and then share this post with your friends and family so they do the same.
Congress is working on an emergency COVID-19 relief package that would extend the unemployment benefits, give working families a survival check and access to life-saving benefits like food and housing assistance, extend the Paycheck Protection Program, assist with vaccine distribution and COVID-19 t...
“In 15 years, I have never worked so hard in health care and been so overwhelmed and saddened and disappointed.”
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – “We’re crying out for help” registered nurse Melissa Cain told members of City Council’s Licensing and […]
8 million people. This is why we need a comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill.
America’s poverty rate has risen at the fastest pace ever this year after aid for the unemployed declined.
PBS News Hour is holding a special COVID-19 discussion for school support staff to learn more about how nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, maintenance workers, office assistants, drivers, college support staff, and more are weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage our school support staffers to join the conversation and tell the world what you wish more people knew about the important work that you do every day.
RSVP: http://bit.ly/zoom12-22
“When the pandemic hit, it, in many ways, exacerbated the economic challenges our students already faced.”
Congress is working on an emergency COVID-19 relief package that would extend the unemployment benefits, give working families a survival check and access to life-saving benefits like food and housing assistance, extend the Paycheck Protection Program, assist with vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing and tracing, and invest millions into public schools to provide the safety guardrails we’ve been advocating for since May.
Tell your lawmakers to pass an emergency COVID-19 relief bill NOW, and share this letter with your friends & families.
Congress is working on an emergency COVID-19 relief package that would extend the unemployment benefits, give working families a survival check and access to life-saving benefits like food and housing assistance, extend the Paycheck Protection Program, assist with vaccine distribution and COVID-19 t...
A Tribute to Nat LaCour, a Teacher, Trailblazer, Visionary, Leader and Friend. Part of an AFT virtual memorial service.
Because of DeVos’s “resistance,” thousands of public schools have no resources to reopen safely,. Because of her “resistance,” thousands of student loan borrowers have fewer avenues for justice and repayment.
The secretary's remarks come after nearly four years of frequently sparring with the career employees of her department.
Even though the COVID-19 recession is exacerbating the inequality and instability in higher education, college and university leadership has responded by doubling down on the same failed practices of the past 20 years.
We need a True New Deal for higher education.
Briefs Education, Jobs and Worker Power A True New Deal for Higher Education: How a Stimulus for Higher Ed Can Advance Progressive Policy Goals December 16, 2020 By Suzanne Kahn, Jennifer Mittelstadt, Lisa Levenstein Download Brief Share Share this page on Facebook Share this page on Twitter Share t...
Unlike walking or talking, learning to read is not a natural process. For many students, especially those with reading disabilities, carefully planned instruction is necessary. Two literacy experts explain how instruction, assessments and interventions can be organized in a system focused on prevention and coordinated professional development so that the vast majority of students learn to read.
Read more: http://www.aft.org/ae/winter2020-2021/vaughn_fletcher
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HAPPENING NOW: Randi Weingarten, Fed Ingram, and others join AFT Georgia members & activists to get out the vote in Savannah. #AFTvotes
A Tribute to Nat LaCour, a Teacher, Trailblazer, Visionary, Leader and Friend. Part of an AFT virtual memorial service.
"Let me be very clear: Healthcare workers and people at risk, like those in nursing homes, they have to be first and healthcare workers, who are the frontline of frontlines, need to be first." Watch & Share: Randi Weingarten talks to CNN about the COVID-19 vaccine.
This year has been like no other. Throughout the holiday season, we wish you peace amid the difficulties and connections with family, friends and colleagues even if they can’t be in person. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holidays.
ICYMI: Randi Weingarten talked to Cheddar about what it will take to reopen schools safely - resources, safety guardrails, and the COVID-19 vaccine.
AFT President Randi Weingarten was on CNN on Sunday to discuss how we can reopen schools safely.
"I've always thought that if we had the safeguards & testing in place, that we could reopen schools using those safeguards that Dr. Fauci has talked about." Watch & Share: Randi Weingarten talks to Andrea Mitchell Reports about reopening schools safely.
The upcoming availability of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is an exciting development in the fight to get the pandemic under control. Given the possibility that vaccines will be available as early as mid-december, it is important that essential workers are informed about the development, safety, efficacy and equitable distribution of vaccines. This event is designed to provide you with information from credible sources and answer your questions about forthcoming COVID-19 vaccines.
"We’ve learned that if you have the safeguards, like in NYC, schools themselves are not going to be super-spreader events." — AFT President Randi Weingaten said on MSNBC. Watch the full segment here.
AFT President Randi Weingarten talks about education and the pandemic on Sirius XM Progress.
LIVE NOW - Fire Drill Friday with Jane Fonda, Randi Weingarten, Juanita Lewis, and Anthony Rogers-Wright
AFT President Randi Weingarten spoke to David Begnaud on CBS This Morning about schools and the recent surge of #COVID19 cases.
"I'm doing my best to engage them and give them as much as I can, but I don't think they're getting as much as they usually get from me." Watch and share: Florida Education Association (FEA) member David Finkle talks about the challenges of teaching in-person and remote at the same time. #DemandSafeSchools
While on MSNBC, AFT President Randi Weingarten talked about the inequities in education that COVID has exacerbated and how schools have the potential to be a great equalizer in the Biden-Harris administration. Watch and share now.
Your vote is your voice. In nearly two years, AFT members have done everything we could to get the vote out because our values are on the ballot in this election. We need a president who will make our health and safety paramount, and who will listen to scientists. We need a president who believes that earning a decent wage is important, not just the stock market. We need a president who will strengthen public schools and make higher education affordable for all. And we need a president who will defend democracy. Joe Biden will be that president. He and Kamala Harris will restore hope and work to heal our divisions. Please go vote and tell everyone you know to vote. #AFTvotes
The #AFTvotes bus wraps up the nationwide tour at Souls to the Polls march and event in Miami. AFT joins United Teachers of Dade (@UTD_AFT1974) to get out the black vote that’s so critical to a Biden-Harris win in Florida.
Two days before the election the #AFTvotes bus stops in Cutler Bay, FL to get out the vote with Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@debbieforFL), Miami Heat players and candidate for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levin Cava (@DLCAVA)
Andrew Garbarino’s healthcare record makes Long Islanders sick. From voting to cut pre-existing conditions to letting insurers charge higher drug prices. Vote for Jackie Gordon #VoteHimOut #NY02
Lee Zeldin voted six times to repeal pre-existing conditions while in Congress. That would have deadly consequences for Long Islanders with COVID, cancer and other diseases. It’s time to vote him out and support Nancy Goroff for Congress. #NY-01
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson joins AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fed Ingram and @United Teachers of Dade president Karla Hernandez-Mats to talk about why we need to get out and vote. The stakes are too high in this election to sit it out. We have 3 days! Make your voice count! #AFTvotes
Getting out the early vote in Florida is critical for a Biden-Harris win! The #AFTvotes bus visits a busy early vote site in Miami Gardens Florida
The #AFTvotes bus joins Miami Dade educators (@UTD_AFT1974) for an Early Vote Rally with Rep. Donna Shalala (@RepShalala), State Senator @JoseJavierJJR, Florida Rep. @DuranForFlorida, Candidate for Florida House @votebado, and Coral Gables Mayor @RVF4Mayor
Our democracy is a work in progress - and when we elect leaders who bring people together to solve problems and work for justice, we can make things better for everyone. Vote now. Our democracy is counting on us. Make your vote count. #AFTvotes
Educators across the country are bringing every ounce of creativity, care, and love to making sure our students have everything they need to learn. That's why, with just four days left, I'm with Pennsylvania educators at Upper Moreland High School in Willow Grove. Join us now:
Voter turn-out in Florida for Biden-Harris can make all the difference. The #AFTvotes bus stops in Sanford, FL #AFTvotes bus to rally with community leaders, elected officials, Florida Education Association (@FloridaEA), Seminole Education Association (@SeminoleUniserv), NAACP (@NAACP_Seminole), Moms Demand Action, @cgjwj and more to #GOTV in Florida(@osceolaNAACPBranch5121), Florida Education Association (@FloridaEA) and Osceola Education Association (@OsceolaEA)
Turn-out of Latino voters in Osceola County can deliver a Florida win for Biden-Harris! The #AFTvotes bus joins the “Dignity for Low-Wage Workers and Engaging the Community” event with Voces Unidas, NAACP (@osceolaNAACPBranch5121), Florida Education Association (@FloridaEA) and Osceola Education Association (@OsceolaEA)
A message from AFT members to our students, our patients, and our communities: “If your vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t try so hard to take it away from you.” Vote because our democracy depends on it.
We must bring the win for Biden and Harris in Florida. The #AFTvotes bus stops in Gainesville for an early vote rally with AFT faculty and graduate assistants at the University of Florida.
The Latino electorate in Pennsylvania can greatly impact this 2020 election. That’s why AFT met with local canvassers and families at a UnidosUS “Trunk or Treat” community event in Philadelphia to provide important information on voting. Voters took home other great treats like free resources and books for kids. #AFTvota #AFTvotes
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