It’s a head-spinning time to be an educator in the United States. From the difficulties of teaching during a pandemic, to getting caught in the crosshairs of culture wars, to doing everything in their power to help students recover and thrive academically and emotionally — all while being underpaid, and…

This message was sent as an email to AFT members and allies. This Labor Day, Americans are giving unions a thumbs-up. It’s not just the hot labor summer, it’s the union advantage — workers who join together in unions have higher pay, better benefits, safer workplaces and more voice on…

Sixty years ago, our forebears marched for jobs and justice. For the promise of public education. For dignity at work and a voice in our democracy. Sixty years ago. Think of their bravery, their courage: to hitch rides, board buses, sleep on church floors and trust strangers; to come from…

What are the carefree days of summer like for America’s teachers? Many may wonder as they plan their lessons whether topics they teach and books they offer students will get caught up, baselessly, in the tempest of the culture wars. They might hear presidential hopefuls slander dedicated teachers as “groomers”…

This email was originally sent to AFT affiliate leaders. AFT Leaders, The air quality on the East Coast is hazardous. The smoke blowing in from wildfires in Canada engulfed New York yesterday, and it looked like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. Throughout the East Coast, you can still see…

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Educators learn early in our careers that it’s not what is said that counts, it’s what is heard. …

Several years ago, The Atlantic ran a story whose headline made even me, a labor leader, scratch my head: “Union Membership: Very Sexy.” The gist was that higher wages, health benefits and job security — all associated with union membership — boost one’s chances of getting married. …

This letter was initially sent to AFT leaders. Why? Why did this happen? Why did police continue to beat Tyre Nichols as he complied with their instructions? Why didn’t they stop? Why did yet another Black family needlessly lose a loved one with the world watching in horror? Those are…

As educators and families have grappled with the challenges of teaching, learning and reconnecting during the COVID-19 pandemic, you would hope that elected officials would have done all they could to help educators and families cope, recover and thrive. Instead, over the past three years, legislators in 45 states proposed…