AFT Book Club: A New Monthly Series with Authors

Join us for our September AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and distinguished authors Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider, discussing their compelling new book The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual.

Engage in a critical conversation as Berkshire and Schneider, renowned experts in education policy, delve into the current culture war engulfing our schools. They'll shed light on the efforts of extremist groups to ban books, limit educational content and undermine the foundations of public education. Through their insights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the sudden obsession with race and gender in schools, the rise of book banning, and the impact of school vouchers on education finances.

In this session, they will also explore the "parents’ rights" movement, student and taxpayer rights, and how the pursuit of "religious freedom" can lead to discrimination against vulnerable children. Their book serves as a road map for parents, teachers, and students to navigate and combat these pressing issues, ensuring the survival of public education amid these challenges.

AFT President Randi Weingarten will join the discussion, adding her valuable perspective and expertise on the fight for public education and the challenges facing our schools today.

Don’t miss this enlightening and essential discussion that promises to inform and empower the millions of Americans who believe in the value of public education.

Save the date and join us for this vital dialogue on the future of our schools and democracy. 

For Educators: Available for one hour of PD credit.*

* Educators can receive one hour of professional development recertification credit for participating in this webinar if they complete all the poll questions, survey, and actively watch the webinar. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate that verifies you completed the webinar. Check with your school district in advance of the webinar to ensure that the PD recertification credit is accepted.

Join us for our October AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and esteemed historian Heather Cox Richardson, discussing her latest New York Times best-selling book, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America.

Dive into a compelling conversation as Richardson, author of How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America unpacks the intricate history and ongoing struggles of American democracy. With her signature clarity and engaging style, she traces the historical roots of today’s political climate, revealing how modern conservatism has capitalized on discontent and distorted history to consolidate power.

In this session, Richardson will illuminate the lessons of the past that offer a road map for navigating the current political crisis. She'll connect the dots from the Founders to the abolitionists, through Reconstruction and the New Deal, up to the Jan. 6 insurrection, highlighting the enduring impact of these pivotal moments on our democracy.

AFT President Randi Weingarten will join the discussion, bringing her insights on the challenges facing American democracy today and the role of education in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that promises to provide a deeper understanding of the historical forces shaping our present and future, and a call to action for preserving democratic ideals.

For Educators: Available for one hour of PD credit.*

* Educators can receive one hour of professional development recertification credit for participating in this webinar if they complete all the poll questions, survey, and actively watch the webinar. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate that verifies you completed the webinar. Check with your school district in advance of the webinar to ensure that the PD recertification credit is accepted.

Our February AFT Book Club session featured a discussion with AFT President Randi Weingarten and author Fred Guttenberg on his book American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence. At this event, these two prominent figures conversed about America's gun violence epidemic. Explore the depths of Guttenberg's powerful and eye-opening narrative, as Weingarten leads an insightful conversation that promises to challenge and expand your understanding of this critical issue. Watch the dialogue that developed as the speakers and attendees sought to unravel the complexities and confront the myths surrounding gun violence in America to shape a safer future. 

Watch the recording of our March AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and renowned author Ruth Ben-Ghiat who will discuss her book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. Weingarten and Ben-Ghiat explored the themes of power, personality and politics that define the era of strongmen and authoritarian leaders throughout history. Gain insights into the past and present, to better understand how history can inform our future. This is a must-see event for anyone interested in history, politics and the lessons we can learn from the past.

Watch the recording of our April AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and renowned author Edwidge Danticat, discussing Danticat's memoir Brother, I'm Dying. Weingarten and Danticat engaged with viewers as they explored themes that delved into the complexities of family, identity, immigration and political turmoil, framed within a deeply personal narrative. Brother, I'm Dying is not only a tribute to Danticat's family and heritage but also a profound exploration of the themes that touch on universal human experiences. Through her intimate and evocative storytelling, Danticat offers insights into the intricacies of life, loss and the enduring power of familial bonds.

Watch May's AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and renowned author Charles M. Blow, discussing Blow's memoir Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Engage with Weingarten and Blow as they explore the multifaceted themes reflecting on the complexities of identity, trauma and resilience within the backdrop of a segregated Louisiana town. Blow's ability to weave his personal narrative with broader social critiques makes the memoir a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of personal experience and public advocacy.