Delegates Welcome John Kerry at AFT Convention

Washington, D.C.— The 3,000 cheering delegates to the American Federation of Teachers convention on Friday excitedly waved Kerry signs and loudly applauded the Democrat for his promises to strengthen America’s commitment to education.

"With John Kerry in the White House, America’s public schools will have the support and leadership they need to thrive," said Edward J. McElroy, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. "Senator Kerry keenly understands what public schools and teachers need to raise student achievement and set our children on the road to success."

Kerry outlined his education plan to make America stronger "by making a new commitment to our schools and our children." He told the audience of educators, healthcare workers and public employees that his reform plan would fully fund and properly implement the No Child Left Behind Act; recruit teachers for high-needs schools and for shortage subjects like math and science; and offer teachers professional support, such as mentoring programs and parental involvement initiatives.

"Senator Kerry emphasizes real solutions to real problems. The AFT fully supports Kerry’s reform plans and will work vigorously throughout the summer and fall to ensure that Kerry and his realistic, optimistic vision for America replace George Bush and his failed policies on November 2," McElroy said.

Kerry told the crowd that to remove one of the biggest obstacles to higher teacher pay, he would take on rising healthcare costs by eliminating waste and greed from the healthcare system. On Thursday, the AFT released its annual teacher salary survey, which showed that the average 3.3 percent wage increase for the 2002-03 school year was eaten up by an average 13 percent increase in teachers’ share of the cost of healthcare benefits.

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