News from AFT PSRP Archive

We’re bigger, badder and more big-hearted than ever

In her monthly column, AFT President Randi Weingarten reveals how we are building our power to create a better future. The AFT now has 1.875 million members across education, healthcare and public services. Weingarten lays out the ways we’re continuing to fight for working people by growing the union movement and taking action in this year’s midterm elections. Because the AFT is bigger, badder and more big-hearted than ever, we have become America’s fastest-growing union.

One job should be enough

At the AFT convention last month, AFT PSRP members told stories of facing challenges with joy and unity, especially in these perilous times. And they all agreed: One job should be enough to sustain a family. Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel cheered AFT Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Lorretta Johnson; Shelvy Abrams, past chair of the PSRP program and policy council; and PPC stalwart Kathy Chavez of AFT New Mexico. They were joined by AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram, who lavished love on the PSRPs, calling them the lifesavers of public education.

AFT president inspires members to fight for freedom, opportunity and justice

In her State of the Union address July 16, AFT President Randi Weingarten called the entire union to action at the AFT convention in Washington, D.C., telling attendees that even in a time when billionaires are wielding unprecedented power in politics, they are lacking the one thing that has consistently catalyzed change: the power of the people. She delivered a powerful message: “We will change the trajectory of this nation and secure a better future for all.” See the full text here and full convention coverage here.

Sign up for Reading Universe’s professional learning

Classroom paraprofessionals often work with students who need the most intensive reading support, yet many have limited access to specialized literacy training. Register today for Reading Universe’s “Free Courses on Beginning Reading Instruction for Paraprofessionals and Their Supporters,” a free, for-credit webinar on Sept. 23. Reading expert Dr. Deborah Glaser will introduce Reading Universe’s new ParaReading collection—five free, self-paced courses that provide foundational science of reading knowledge and practical classroom strategies. Help us spread the word to paraprofessionals, teachers, literacy coaches and family liaisons.

We want your story on skyrocketing student loan debt

The AFT has joined a coalition of labor unions, consumer protection groups, students and civil rights organizations to launch a “One Big Bill” campaign highlighting the stories of millions of Americans with student loan debt who have seen their bills skyrocket as a result of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act—more appropriately known as the Big Ugly Bill. AFT President Randi Weingarten encourages borrowers to share their stories of the financial damage caused by President Donald Trump’s signature legislation, saying, “It’s time for lawmakers to pay attention to the struggles of working- and middle-class borrowers squeezed by rising costs.” Learn more and share.

Before school starts, put your well-being first

How can you make wellness part of your routine—not just another item on your to-do list? Before school begins, explore these free webinars, classroom resources, self-care strategies and practical ideas from the AFT’s Share My Lesson to help you and your students thrive all year long.