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.

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.

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.

Educators, students, and families in Minnesota came together—from “art build” tables to frozen streets—to stand up for safe and welcoming schools for every child. By organizing, marching, and supporting one another in moments of uncertainty, AFT members are showing how public schools can be places of courage, care, and community power.

Paula Wathen, a career and technical education teacher in Englewood, Ohio, is changing lives by connecting students to skills, careers, and opportunity—and was recently honored with the Golden Apple award for her outstanding work. Her dedication highlights how public schools and union educators help students build pathways to strong futures in their communities.

Members of the Ohio Federation of Teachers in Enon are helping students prepare for successful careers through hands-on learning in soil science, technology, and animal husbandry. By sharing real-world skills and values rooted in responsibility and teamwork, these educators are showing how public schools can open doors to opportunity in classrooms and communities alike.

Members of the AFT are stepping up for neighbors facing hunger and homelessness—donating more than $11,000 in food and cash to a local pantry when federal nutrition funds ran short. By responding to urgent community needs, educators are continuing the union’s long tradition of lifting up students, patients, and families.

Members of North Carolina AFT in Winston-Salem are standing together for the schools their students deserve. Despite low pay and chronic underfunding, teachers are organizing to demand fair funding and professional respect—showing how collective action can strengthen public education for communities across the state.

The New Haven Federation of Teachers members and leaders are standing up for students and families after millions in federal funding for community schools were abruptly cut. By speaking out alongside community leaders, educators are defending programs that improve student achievement, attendance, and mental health—and calling for urgent action to protect these vital supports.

The United Federation of Teachers is uplifting innovative, culturally responsive care in the South Bronx. Through Hip Hop Therapy, a social worker is helping students process trauma, build connection, and thrive—demonstrating how schools can be powerful spaces for healing and growth.

United Educators of San Francisco members are building schools that support the whole child—standing with unhoused students and immigrant families while fighting for the resources kids need to learn and thrive. This is union work centered on care, community, and student success.

Peoria Federation of Teachers Local 780 members teaching career and technical education opened the door to a future built on hands-on learning. Through construction trades coursework, industry certifications, and a paid internship, a Peoria Public Schools graduate discovered her passion and gained the skills and confidence to step directly into a rewarding career.

In Indiana, Gary Teachers Union members hosted a free book fair that put the joy of reading front and center. Students of all ages selected books they were excited to read over winter break, strengthening literacy, curiosity, and community through Reading Opens the World.

Minneapolis Federation of Educators and Education Minnesota are standing up for students’ right to safe, welcoming public schools. By speaking out against ICE activity near school buildings, they are making clear that protecting students, families, and school staff is a moral responsibility.