At Wilbur L. Cross High School in New Haven, Conn., social studies teacher Brian Grindrod is finding new ways to engage with his 10th- and 11th-grade students—specifically, making sure that his diverse classes of students see themselves represented in the country we’ve built together. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Grindrod says we must invest in the next generation’s civic education. In his words, “We do not just teach history; we prepare the people who will make it.” 

Faced with a series of companies that brought disastrous private food service into their Oklahoma public schools, AFT Tulsa President Nancy Leonard and school cafeteria manager Ginnie Holly stepped up to get rid of spoiled food from vendors & cook healthy, made-from-scratch meals to feed hungry students & help them learn. From homemade empanadas to real Reuben sandwiches, read how made-from-scratch cooking keeps school meals out of the trash and, instead, where they belong: in the bellies of hungry kids.

In Connecticut, Bulkeley High School math teacher and softball coach Adam Lynch has been named the 2026 Hartford Teacher of the Year for creating a sense of belonging through school sports and extracurricular activities. How is he innovating to make students feel welcome? By putting activities and clubs in the morning on Fridays, Lynch and his colleagues have been able to boost attendance and to help students feel more engaged in the school community. 

In Oregon, members of the Oregon School Employees Association partnered with the AFT to host a Reading Opens the World event in Eugene. Thousands of educators, families and community members came together to receive free books, support literacy and celebrate the joy of reading.

In New York, members of the Syracuse Teachers Association and NYSUT are helping students explore careers in the semiconductor industry through the AFT's Micron project. During a visit to Onondaga Community College, students participated in hands-on electrotechnology activities and learned about opportunities in the future workforce.

In New Hampshire, Nashua Teachers' Union member Melissa Bartolomei helps students discover the joy of reading through a bookmobile program supported by Reading Opens the World. Each year, she delivers thousands of free books directly to students, helping build literacy skills and a love of reading.

In Pennsylvania, members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers are joining families, students and community allies to advocate for the funding public schools need. Their efforts aim to restore hundreds of school-based positions that support students every day.

In Florida, members of the Florida Education Association are helping students connect classroom learning to real-world challenges through experiential, inquiry-based projects. At Freedom 7 Elementary in Cocoa Beach, sixth-graders use the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to research issues, identify how they affect their community and develop solutions, building critical thinking, collaboration and civic engagement skills along the way.

In New York, members of the Greenburgh Teachers Federation are helping students build confidence and see new possibilities through strong community partnerships and student-centered learning. By creating opportunities for students to share their voices and experiences, they’re helping empower the next generation to shape its future.

In Oklahoma, AFT Tulsa member Tyseeke Edwards helps students and families thrive as the parent involvement facilitator at Anderson Elementary School. Her dedication to building relationships, connecting families with resources and creating a welcoming school community recently earned her Tulsa Public Schools' Support Professional of the Year award.

In New Mexico, members of Rio Rancho School Employees Union are helping students build real-world skills and confidence through RioTECH’s growing career and technical education programs. From welding and electrical wiring to construction trades, students are gaining hands-on experience, earning industry-recognized certifications and preparing for careers that strengthen their communities and expand opportunity after graduation.

In California, United Teachers Los Angeles educators are helping students gain hands-on experience, build confidence and prepare for their futures through career and technical education and Linked Learning pathways. A new study found that students who completed these programs graduated at higher rates and were more likely to complete college preparatory coursework and enroll in college, showing how public schools can connect classroom learning to real-world opportunity.

In Indiana, AFT Indiana members supported a reenactment of Frederick Douglass’ 1843 speech in Pendleton by providing books and educational resources for local fourth grade students attending the event. Held at the historic Quaker Meetinghouse where Douglass returned to speak after surviving a violent mob attack, the program helped students engage with history, civic courage and the ongoing fight for justice through public education.

In Connecticut, members of the Hartford Federation of Teachers and Hartford Federation of Paraeducators hosted a Reading Opens the World celebration that brought together hundreds of students, families, educators and community members. With free books, student performances, LEGOs and activities for all ages, the event created a joyful space centered on literacy, creativity and community connection.

In New York, Bellport Teachers Association members donated more than $1,000 in baby supplies to support local families in crisis, even as many educators face uncertainty amid a district budget crisis and looming job cuts. By continuing to show up for their community during difficult times, these educators are demonstrating the care, compassion and commitment that public schools are built on.

In Washington, DC, Washington Teachers’ Union member Christopher Alberts has been named the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year for creating joyful, rigorous and culturally rich learning experiences through music education. At School Without Walls High School, Alberts empowers students through orchestra, digital music production and performance opportunities that help young people grow as artists, leaders and collaborators.

In Michigan, educators at the Academy of the Americas are helping students explore STEM, robotics and real-world problem-solving through one of Detroit’s only Pre-K-12 robotics programs. From mentoring dozens of robotics teams across the city to earning state-level recognition and connecting students with industry professionals, the program is creating hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students to lead and innovate.

In Minnesota, Education Minnesota member David Davis has been named the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year for creating joyful, student-centered learning through music education. At Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, students compose original music, collaborate creatively and connect learning to their identities and communities. Through creativity and cultural responsiveness, Davis is helping students see themselves as artists, thinkers and leaders.

In Ohio, Cleveland Teachers Union member Carla Neely has been named a 2026 inductee to the National Teachers Hall of Fame for her work supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. As a middle school teacher, Neely centers student wellness, belonging and strong relationships to help young people grow into confident leaders ready to shape their futures.

In New York, United Federation of Teachers member Prince Johnson has been named the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year for creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences that connect history to students’ lives. At Food and Finance High School in Manhattan, Johnson incorporates culinary history and geography into his teaching while creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported and empowered.

In California, United Teachers Los Angeles member Peg Cagle is helping students see themselves as capable mathematicians through classrooms rooted in inclusion, identity and belonging. By challenging narrow ideas about who can succeed in math, she’s creating learning environments where students’ cultures and experiences are reflected and valued.

In California, Lawndale Federation of Classified Employees members brought books and community together through a Reading Opens the World giveaway, distributing thousands of diverse, high-quality books to students. By helping young people see themselves reflected in what they read, they’re building a love of literacy, strengthening identity and showing how public schools can be hubs of connection, pride and opportunity.

United Federation of Teachers members are showing how career and technical education can transform students’ futures at Thomas A. Edison High School. From robotics to solar technology, students are gaining hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to real-world careers. Through apprenticeships and active learning, educators are helping students build skills, confidence and direction—preparing them not just for tests, but for life.

In Oklahoma, Tulsa Public Schools is celebrating the impact of educators and support staff. Fifth-grade teacher Akela Leach and parent involvement facilitator Tyseeke Edwards have been named the district’s 2026 Teacher and Support Professional of the Year. With nearly three decades of service, Edwards has helped strengthen relationships and school communities—showing the vital role support professionals play in student success.