2026 Archive - February

Members of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers and AFT Pennsylvania helped turn Westinghouse Academy from a school once facing closure into a thriving model for career and technical education, supported by an AFT Innovation Fund grant. Today, students in its Emergency Response Technology program are gaining hands-on skills and exploring real career pathways—showing what’s possible when union educators and communities invest in opportunity.

Educators from the Chittenango Teachers’ Association, alongside New York State United Teachers and union partners statewide, are building new STEM pathways tied to advanced manufacturing and semiconductor careers. Veteran teacher and union leader David Chizzonite is helping students learn through robotics, collaboration, and real-world problem solving—demonstrating how locally driven partnerships can prepare young people for fast-changing industries.

Members of the Boston Teachers Union and AFT Massachusetts welcomed students at Trotter Elementary School for a joyful morning of story time and book giveaways through AFT’s Reading Opens the World campaign. The visit highlighted how union educators and school staff come together to strengthen literacy, spark curiosity, and open doors for young readers.

Members of the New Lexington Federation of Teachers are rethinking what public school can be. From robotics certifications to elementary welding workshops, students are building real-world skills and preparing for high-wage careers through innovative, hands-on learning—showing how public schools can expand opportunity.

At P.S. 48, AFT and the United Federation of Teachers brought Reading Opens the World to life, reminding students that reading is a civil right. Through books and joyful celebration, union educators are opening doors to new worlds and brighter futures.

After their first strike in nearly 50 years, San Francisco educators reached a tentative agreement that prioritizes students and public schools. The deal strengthens staffing, supports special education and secures fully funded family healthcare—making this a coast-to-coast standard in AFT contracts. It’s a victory that helps retain educators and delivers greater stability in every classroom.

In Rio Rancho, members of the Rio Rancho School Employees’ Union, alongside industry leaders and community partners, are expanding what high school can be. Through a new career and technical education campus, students gain hands-on experience, industry certifications and real-world skills—preparing them for good jobs, college and the future without crushing debt.

At Wolfe Street Academy, Baltimore Teachers Union members and families work side by side to remove barriers to learning. From improving attendance to providing wraparound supports and family engagement, this community school shows how listening, trust and partnership help students thrive and strengthen public education.

During Black History Month and all year long, Cheektowaga Central Teachers Association member LaShonda Bradberry is empowering students to understand history, identity and their own potential. Through African American Studies, civic engagement and mentorship, she is preparing young people to lead, advocate and shape a more just future.

In Washington, DC, Washington Teachers’ Union member Raphael Bonhomme brings civics to life through experiential learning and real-world connections. By integrating arts, culture and history across subjects, he helps students develop critical thinking, confidence and a sense of purpose—showing how public schools can empower young people to grow, lead and make change.

Across New York State, NYSUT members are preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow through innovative career and technical education. Partnerships like the Advanced Technology Framework connect public schools with industry, equipping students with in-demand skills, opening doors to opportunity and strengthening local economies.

In Peoria, Illinois, career and technical education changed Kianna Pittman’s life. With the support of her educators, she gained certifications, hands-on experience and an internship that led to a full-time job and college support. Her story shows how CTE creates pathways to good careers, economic stability and a brighter future for students and their communities.