AFT TEACH Daily: Thursday, Jul 24, 2025

AFT AI Symposium charts creative, ethical path forward

The AFT Artificial Intelligence Symposium, held July 24 in Washington, D.C., brimmed with enthusiasm for the myriad ways AI can ignite learning, spur creativity and alleviate workloads—and offered a host of warnings about potential harm if educators and unions do not step up to meet this transformative moment.

Educators share powerful stories on Capitol Hill

AFT members―125 strong―from 21 states and territories gathered at the U.S. Capitol Thursday to urge members of Congress to support policies that protect public schools and their students. Speaking out about Congress’ horrific reconciliation bill, Trump’s withholding of nearly $7 billion and the extreme inequity of teacher pay, members focused on the voices of marginalized and working students, educators and communities.

AFT rallies for Pay Teachers Act at Capitol Hill town hall

Hundreds of teachers, including many AFT members, converged at a town hall on Capitol Hill July 24 to illustrate the need for the Pay Teachers Act, sharing their stories with bill sponsor Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), AFT President Randi Weingarten and others. The legislation would require a minimum salary of $60,000 for teachers, triple Title I funding for schools with low-income families and boost other crucial supports for public schools.

Senate forum highlights attacks on public education

The ongoing attacks on public education were the focus of a forum hosted by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) on July 24. Several panelists, including AFT President Randi Weingarten, discussed the impact of the Trump administration's education cuts on schools and communities.

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This daily update is produced by the AFT communications department.