AFT leaders and members from across the country are in Montgomery, AL today to send a clear message to the nation that the rollback of voting rights will not happen quietly, unchallenged, or without organized resistance. #AllRoadsSouth
Happy Public School Proud Friday! Here are 4 #PublicSchoolProud stories that highlight how educators and school staff show up for students and communities in big and small ways every day.
Swipe ➡️ to see:
1️⃣ Hartford, CT: Members of the Hartford Federation of Teachers and Hartford Federation of Paraeducators brought hundreds of students, families and community members together for a joyful Reading Opens the World celebration filled with free books, student performances, LEGOs and literacy activities.
2️⃣ Bellport, NY: @bellportteachers members donated more than $1,000 in baby supplies to support local families in crisis—even as many educators face uncertainty amid a district budget crisis and looming job cuts.
3️⃣ Washington, DC: @wtu_teacher member Christopher Alberts was named the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year for creating joyful, culturally rich music education experiences that help students grow as artists, collaborators and leaders.
4️⃣ Detroit, MI: Educators at the Academy of the Americas are expanding STEM learning through one of Detroit’s only Pre-K-12 robotics programs, helping students explore robotics, connect with industry professionals and build skills for the future.
💬 What made you Public School Proud this week?
In this week’s video, AFT President Randi Weingarten shares how our union is taking action on the issues most important to Americans right now—from affordability to the attacks on voting rights—and also discusses the latest news in students’ test scores and the impact of screens, big contract wins, and how we’re standing in solidarity with our members in their ongoing fight for union rights in places like Virginia.
📚💙 Educators, families, and healthcare professionals are invited to this timely webinar on protecting youth in today’s evolving drug landscape.
Learn about:
✨ Polysubstance use
✨ Synthetic drugs and overdose risks
✨ Naloxone awareness
✨ Supporting young people with science-based conversations
🗓 June 1, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
Tap @sharemylesson and click the link in our bio to read more. 👆
Educator @saribethrose shares the shocking story of journalist Nellie Bly, who faked insanity in 1887 to expose abuse inside a women’s asylum. This video lesson explores mental health stigma, investigative journalism and the power of speaking up for change. Access accompanying resources on @aftunion ’s Share My Lesson with the link in bio.
Mothers are our first teachers (and nurses!), and today we're excited to celebrate all that they do for our kids and communities.
AFT is proud to wish everyone a happy Mother's Day!
This week, we're celebrating the incredible power of collective action! We saw our union family grow with new members joining in Michigan and Oregon, securing safer staffing, and winning better pay for educators in Palm Beach. Our teachers, nurses, and public service workers are truly making a difference every day!
Yet, the threats persist. From shocking efforts to disenfranchise voters to relentless attacks on public education by leaders like Gov. DeSantis, and even risks to your retirement savings from corporate giants, the need for a strong union is clearer than ever.
Randi details how AFT is leading the charge:
* Launching a lawsuit against Florida to defend public education.
* Demanding SEC oversight to protect your retirement from risky investments.
* Building union power to ensure *your* voice is heard and *your* rights are protected.
Teacher Appreciation Week is about more than saying thank you—it’s about recognizing the educators who change lives every single day. Here are 4 #PublicSchoolProud stories highlighting educators being recognized this year for their extraordinary work and the possibilities they create for students through public education.
Swipe ➡️ to see:
1️⃣ St. Louis Park, MN: @educationminnesota member David Davis was named the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year for creating joyful, student-centered music education where students collaborate, compose original music and connect learning to their identities and communities.
2️⃣ Cleveland, OH: @oftunion member Carla Neely will be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame for centering student wellness, belonging and strong relationships in her middle school classroom.
3️⃣ New York City, NY: @uftny member Prince Johnson was named the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year for creating inclusive history lessons that connect culture, identity and real-world experiences for students.
4️⃣ Los Angeles, CA: @utlanow member Peg Cagle is helping students see themselves as capable mathematicians by creating inclusive classrooms where every student’s identity and strengths are valued.
💬 What made you #PublicSchoolProud this week?
You can’t replace teachers with robots.
Robots can retrieve answers. But they can’t read a room, earn trust or know when a student needs help. That human connection is what makes learning possible.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’ve celebrated the educators who do this work every single day—and we’re grateful for all they make possible.
#TeacherAppreciationWeek
