In North Carolina, American Federation of Professional Educators of North Carolina members helped distribute more than 30,000 free books and reading resources to students, families and educators at a Reading Opens the World family literacy fair. Held on the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the event helped families rebuild home libraries and educators replenish classroom collections as the community continues its recovery.

In New York, United Federation of Teachers members welcomed more than 3,000 newly hired teachers as they began their careers in the city’s public schools. New educators connected with their union and learned about the support, resources and rights available to them as they start making a difference in their students’ lives.

In Montana, Montana Federation of Public Employees member and agricultural mechanics teacher Ty Neal received a $75,000 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Through project-based learning in welding, construction, mechanics and other skilled trades, Neal helps students build the skills, confidence and work ethic they need for careers and life after high school.

In West Virginia, Education West Virginia member and school bus assistant Becky Turner was named a Unions Power America Hometown Hero, earning a $10,000 award for her quick action in disarming a student on her school bus. Turner’s courage and dedication to the children she serves demonstrate the vital role school support staff play in keeping students safe.

In Pennsylvania, Scranton Federation of Teachers members are seeing the impact of increased public school funding in their classrooms. At Neil Armstrong Elementary School, new autism support classes, expanded access to books and additional STEM teachers are helping provide students with more opportunities to learn and thrive.

In Rhode Island, Providence Teachers Union member and librarian Natasha White is empowering fifth-graders to tell stories that matter to them through the “Lima News,” a weekly bilingual, student-run news show. From interviewing community leaders to partnering with professional journalists, students are building reporting skills, finding their voices and celebrating the stories that connect their school and community.

In New Jersey, Newark Teachers Union members are helping students explore careers in education through the Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy. This week, AFT President Randi Weingarten visited University High School to hear from current students and alumni about the grow-your-own program and how it is helping inspire the next generation of educators.

In California, United Teachers Los Angeles members celebrated community and the power of education at the 80th annual East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade. With support from AFT’s Reading Opens the World campaign, union members gave away more than 1,000 free books to local students and families.

In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers member Matthew Patrick is showing why skilled, human educators are essential to student success. Drawing on his experience teaching career and technical education, Patrick explains how teachers provide the hands-on learning, individualized instruction and encouragement students need to build skills and succeed.

In New York, United Federation of Teachers members at PS/MS 278 kicked off the new school year with AFT President Randi Weingarten. Weingarten thanked educators for the important work they do every day to keep students grounded, give them hope for the future and help them navigate a rapidly changing world.

In Ohio, hundreds of Toledo Federation of Teachers members gave out thousands of free books to students and families at the city’s annual Labor Day parade. For the fourth consecutive year, the union partnered with AFT’s Reading Opens the World initiative to bring books to the community as part of this Labor Day tradition.

In New Hampshire, Nashua Teachers’ Union members gave away more than $6,000 worth of free books at the annual Nashua Goes Back to School event. With books donated by AFT and First Book, the union helped students and families get ready for the new school year—and every book found a home.

In New Jersey, Newark Teachers Union member Carla Ferreira returned to the community that raised her to become an English and bilingual teacher at the Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design. Now named Essex County Teacher of the Year, Ferreira creates a classroom rooted in joy, reading and belonging, inspired by the educators who believed in her. 

In Louisiana, United Teachers of New Orleans members at Benjamin Franklin High School are celebrating the school’s ranking as the No. 1 public high school in Louisiana and No. 53 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. School leaders credit the achievement to the hard work of students, educators and families. 

In Kansas, United Teachers of Wichita is helping kindergarteners start their school journey with a new book of their own. The union donated 3,000 copies of “Clifford Goes to Kindergarten” to be included in care packages for families participating in kindergarten enrollment. Available in English and Spanish, the books will help families get their youngest learners excited and ready for their first days of school.