2025 Archive - December

At the Harbor School in New York City, students learn marine science, vessel operations, and even build underwater robots. With dedicated UFT educators guiding them, hands-on career and technical education is opening pathways to powerful futures.

After the 2023 wildfires, UHPA members brought thousands of books to children and families in Lahaina, offering literacy, comfort, and connection as the community continues to rebuild.

Houston Federation of Teachers members are committed to creating supportive school environments where students feel empowered to voice their experiences. In Houston, students like Rose are now speaking out about how the state takeover is impacting their classrooms and their ability to learn.

AFT St. Louis educators are expanding literacy by partnering with families through Reading Opens the World, bringing books, guidance, and daily reading practice into homes across the city.

In Lexington, KY, KY120 United educators are helping students step into civic leadership by connecting classroom learning with real community engagement. From working with the NAACP to hearing from local leaders, students are discovering how their voices and actions can shape the world around them.

Chicago Teachers Union educators Corey Blake and Amaziah Burton share what it means to fight for students every day—protecting LGBTQIA+ youth, defending honest history, and ensuring schools uphold safety, dignity, and opportunity. Their union contract gives them the tools to make that vision real.

Peoria Federation of Teachers Local 780 member and music teacher Tyler Bishop turned a classroom inside joke into “6-7 Christmas,” an original holiday song inspired entirely by his students. By writing, arranging, and producing the track himself, he showed how creativity and connection in the classroom can spark something joyful for an entire school community.

In upstate New York, educators and leaders of the Wellness Workforce Collaborative are working to protect school-based mental health supports after federal cuts forced program reductions and family center closures. Their determination shows what it takes to ensure students continue receiving the care, counseling, and connection they rely on.

Botkins teachers used their Reading Opens the World grant to bring books and literacy fun to families at a winter celebration. From choosing free books to visiting Santa and exploring hands-on activities, students and parents experienced the joy of reading together while building a stronger school community.

In Spring, TX, educators partnered with AFT and First Book to put brand-new books into the hands of students and families. Their Winter Wonderland event spread holiday cheer while helping children build their home libraries—creating opportunities for reading, learning, and joy that last long beyond the season.