News from AFT PSRP Archive

Strengthen, don’t abandon, public schools

It’s no surprise that AFT President Randi Weingarten received a standing ovation after her keynote address at AFT TEACH last month. Public education is under attack, and the blueprint Weingarten presented can be scaled and funded to give all students the opportunities they need to succeed. Americans want safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging schools in every community. But public education is in peril—from funding cuts and culture wars to efforts that would divert public school funds to private school vouchers. Read Weingarten’s column in the New York Times to get a clear picture of her vision for public schools.

PSRP bill of rights advances in California, Louisiana

Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel perform a variety of duties that schools can’t function without, but employers often return the favor with wildly inadequate pay, benefits and respect. Now, PSRPs in California and Louisiana have scored wins. In California, Senate Joint Resolution 2, authored by state Sen. Dave Cortese, a CFT member, outlines the rights classified workers deserve and urges the president and Congress to sign those rights into federal law. In Louisiana, Senate Bill 178 would establish a School Employee Bill of Rights that would consolidate protections into one statement, including the right to work in a safe, secure environment conducive to learning; protection from frivolous lawsuits; respect for professional judgment in disciplinary matters; and more.

University custodian’s death spurs action

Martin “Marty” Lujan, a custodian at New Mexico Highlands University, died last September shortly after working inside a campus building that had been closed due to overwhelming fumes from improperly stored chemicals. In the summer issue of American Educator, members of the NMHU Faculty and Staff Association and the NMHU Clerical and Facilities Staff Union describe how his death, and other reactions to dangerous chemicals, spurred them to help create safer spaces for workers, and how unions can protect workers in similar situations.

Creating safe classrooms for immigrant students

On the final day of AFT TEACH last month, educators learned and shared ways to foster an environment of belonging for immigrant students and to create a true sense of safety to allow for genuine learning and joy. “Students learn when they feel safe emotionally, physically and psychologically,” said Meisha Lamb-Bell, program director of Re-Imagining Migration, at a session called “Fostering Safety and Belonging for Immigrant Students.” In the face of an increasing number of raids by federal immigration agents, school employees are taking extra care to protect their students from harm.  

Aug. 25: Important AFT town hall on immunizations

Back to school means back to the basics on vaccines. Join the AFT’s Share My Lesson Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. EDT for a practical briefing on the latest recommendations from multiple medical and public health sources, translated for schools. We’ll cover routine vaccines, plus what to expect for flu, COVID-19 and RSV this season. And we’ll be clear about what’s well-established, what’s evolving and how to talk about safety and insurance coverage with families. Bring your questions and leave with ready-to-use resources.

AFT leaders call for stronger heat protections

The AFT is asking the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop a strong, enforceable national standard to safeguard workers from the growing threat of excessive heat as record-breaking temperatures sear cities and towns all over the country. In June, five AFT leaders spoke before OSHA on a virtual panel and told riveting personal stories. They made it plain that no one should have to work in dangerous heat, inside or outside. The proposed rule would require employers to make heat safety plans and take reasonable precautions to protect workers from heat.

Join our book club session on student stress

Smartphones, social media, less free play—more stress. In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out how childhood changed in the 2010s and why teen anxiety and depression spiked. At this AFT Book Club event on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. EDT, Haidt will join AFT President Randi Weingarten for a practical, research-driven discussion on what works: phone-free school days, more play and connection, more sleep, and family-school teamwork. We’ll focus on concrete steps educators and caregivers can take this year, and we will make sure there is time for your questions.