AFT President unveils education blueprint at national conference

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), addressed 2,000 educators at the TEACH conference in Washington. She presented a blueprint for public education focusing on safe and engaging schools.

Weingarten urged members to reflect on challenges faced over the past year and promoted a vision for teaching that counters negative influences from Congress and the White House. "We know that the route to the American dream goes through our public schools," she stated.

She acknowledged recent news that the Trump administration released over $5 billion in K-12 education funding after pressure from lobbying efforts. "Today, they backed down: our lobbying, our lawsuits, and our advocacy for why these funds matter to kids, it worked."

Her plan includes expanding community schools, enhancing reading and communication skills, and increasing project-based learning. She emphasized these strategies are essential for student success and need proper resources.

Weingarten warned against attacks on teachers and education systems by those promoting private school vouchers. She said such actions threaten democracy by undermining critical thinking and pluralism.

She highlighted the importance of safe schools where students feel secure amid issues like gun violence and immigration status. Engaging schools should focus on experiential learning to prepare students for real-world challenges.

The AFT has been advocating evidence-based reading instruction for 25 years, distributing 10 million books through its Reading Opens the World initiative.

Weingarten's upcoming book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers," addresses threats to knowledge and democracy. It will be available on September 16.

Concluding her speech with a call to action, Weingarten said: “None of us asked for this fight, but fight we must... For freedom and democracy.”

The TEACH conference features speakers including Sen. Mazie Hirono and offers sessions with tools for educators. Sessions are streamed live on AFT’s platforms.