AFT Resolution

CAMPAIGN PROMOTING EDUCATION AS A PUBLIC GOOD

WHEREAS, it is known by all members of the American Federation of Teachers that education is a public good; and

WHEREAS, there is a lack of public understanding of how quality education improves the entire society, and in turn each individual; and

WHEREAS, the understanding of education as a public good directly impacts all those who have chosen education as a career; and

WHEREAS, funding has been decreasing for K-12 education, higher education and the different forms of free public education, including correctional facilities, career and technical education, and alternative public schools, at the state level; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has a role as an organization that represents educators to show that electing officials who understand this concept can change funding priorities; and

WHEREAS, free public education and the union movement in America, in the 20th century, helped working people expand into a vibrant middle class so vital to democracy:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will invest in a public education campaign to explain the concept of education as a public good, how education is currently funded, how it has been funded in the past, and what people can do to effect change;

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to champion all that American children, their families, and working people need in order to have good lives consistent with the American dream for all;

RESOLVED, that the AFT will push forth the foundation that our public education system—from pre-K through college—must keep children safe and be strong and supported, not privatized or defunded, so it can help them develop skills and knowledge, to maximize their opportunities and foster respect and understanding; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will create a working group to address how best to achieve these goals, including identifying and reaching out to like-minded groups, and report back to the AFT.

(2017)