Teachers News | September 2025

In her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy, AFT President Randi Weingarten writes about the good educators do in the world—fostering empathy and confidence, and cultivating opportunity—and frames public education as essential to creating a democratic, inclusive society in which citizens think critically and work together for the common good. But all that is under attack because, as she writes in her monthly column, “authoritarians fear a well-educated citizenry … because their brand of greed, power and privilege cannot survive in a democracy of diverse, educated citizens.” Read Weingarten’s column to learn more, check out this excerpt in the Fall 2025 issue of American Educator and listen to Weingarten discuss the book during the AFT Book Club talk Sept. 28.

This year Hispanic Heritage Month looks a little different, with threats to our immigrant communities rising and diversity, equity and inclusion programs targeted for elimination. That’s not dampening our spirit, though: We are celebrating the vibrant culture that has brought us such rich traditions in music, literature, sports, language and so much more; and we are fighting back to keep our communities safe, with Know Your Rights sessions, protests against injustice and discrimination and work to save our democracy for all the people who live in this country. As AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus says, “We celebrate our culture, our resilience and our unshakeable spirit. No intimidation or fear tactics, and no administration, can silence us.” Check out our resources here.

 

 

The Fall 2025 issue of American Educator is a call to action for defending democracy and strengthening public education. Educators and researchers explain how authoritarian leaders weaken society to gain power and how economic inequality leads to democratic erosion; and they outline a proactive model for fighting disinformation and building a more resilient democracy. Also in this issue: Learn why the “failing U.S. public school system” is a myth, what’s wrong with school voucher programs, and how union members are supporting students amid devastating education program cuts by the Trump administration.

 

Rates of anxiety and depression are soaring while test scores plummet among young children and teens. At the AFT Book Club’s latest session, author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt unpacked the reasons behind the decline, examining his belief that the overuse of smartphones and absence of childhood play have led to the” destruction of human potential on a scale we have never before seen,” and offering solutions educators can implement to help families reclaim a healthier childhood.

As the threats of fascism, authoritarianism and political violence intensify across the U.S., the urgency for action has never been clearer. In the face of book bans, anti-democratic policies and attacks on historically marginalized communities, educators and unions must once again rise as democracy’s first responders. At the 2025 AFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Conference in Detroit, Oct. 9-12, we will work together to reclaim public institutions, push back against the growing infrastructure of repression and equip AFT locals with the tools to meet the moment head-on—with strategy, solidarity and a commitment to buliding long-term power. Register here.

 

Acts of violence always must be condemned, AFT President Randi Weingarten said after the Sept. 10 assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. Violence is antithetical to democracy, Weingarten said. Even as Americans must be able to exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of expression, they also must stop fomenting the hate and smears that can lead to violence. We need to tone it down and disagree civilly, she added. “Let’s denounce political violence, find that exit ramp, find ways to de-escalate—and let’s do it without eroding constitutional rights.”

After residual fire damage wiped out about half of the library collection at Elk Valley Elementary School in Lake City, Pa., the AFT’s Reading Opens the World initiative, which has provided more than 2 million brand-new free books nationwide since its 2021 launch, donated $20,000 to rebuild the collection. The result was a larger, expanded collection with even more of the kids’ favorites and a back-to-school night full of hugs.

AFT members will join with allies nationwide on Oct. 18 for a “No Kings” day of action—gathering in every corner of America to defend our freedoms, our democracy and our future. Together, we will say loud and clear: No thrones. No crowns. No kings. We are building community, not division, and demanding dignity, affordability and opportunity for all. Find an event near you.