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Lawrence Teachers 1000 360

PreK-12 Teachers

More than 1 million members strong, the AFT's Public Education unit has become a major force for preserving and strengthening a national commitment to reclaiming the promise of American education. It all began more than 100 years ago: A group of Chicago teachers, reasoning that theirs was a noble profession, organized themselves to share resources and build respect for the invaluable work they were doing. Those early efforts led to the birth of a national teachers union in 1916 that has been in the vanguard of every major advancement in American public education ever since.

Fac Fed 1000 360

Higher Education

The AFT represents higher education faculty (including both full- and part-time), professional staff and graduate employees, in all sectors of higher education—public and private, two-year and four-year institutions of higher education. The AFT Higher Education division's mission is to help our affiliates and their members prosper in the face of political, economic and technological forces challenging the most basic assumptions about the union's role on campus.

MLSA 1000 360

Public Employees

As a union of professionals, AFT Public Employees division is committed to improving the quality of government services we provide to our communities. Reclaiming the promise of high-quality public services is about fighting for first-rate public services that our support communities and keep them safe, healthy and vibrant. It’s about fighting to ensure that our communities’ tax dollars are properly invested back into the community, and that those resources are used responsibly and safely. Finally, it’s fighting to make sure public employees are well-prepared and supported so they can provide our communities with the high-quality services the public needs and deserves.

NB PSRPs

Paraprofessionals & School-Related Personnel

The AFT has organized paraprofessionals and school-related personnel since the early 1930s, when the first PSRP affiliate, the Education Secretaries of Chicago, was founded. Today, the AFT PSRP division sets a foundation for high-quality education by supporting meaningful professional development, promoting health and safety in the workplace, and demonstrating the importance of a strong and just work ethic in a bully-free environment. Most important is its commitment to safe and welcoming schools and colleges for students who deserve high-quality food programs; reliable school buses; clean, secure buildings; efficiently run offices; and well-trained staff.

AFT Massachusetts Leading Effort to Protect Immigrant Students in Massachusetts Public Schools

AFT Massachusetts Logo Facebook Square

AFT Massachusetts, which represents educators and staff in Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth, is leading the effort to support immigrant students and their families through critical investments and protections.

The House Ways and Means Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 released today includes a reserve fund to support districts facing unexpected disruptions in enrollment of non-native English speaking students, which the AFT Massachusetts leaders and members have been advocating on behalf of for months.

“Too many of our immigrant families continue to be gripped by fear. Children worry that when they walk out the door, their family might not be there when they return. Many have resorted to sheltering in place—afraid that just going to school puts their family at risk. For parents, every day they send their child to school is a day they may have just put their own livelihoods and lives at risk,” said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “These students haven’t disappeared or left and we must do everything in our power to protect our immigrant families and ensure their schools have the tools and resources they need to support them.”

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AFT Massachusetts Spring Town Hall

2026 Spring Town Hall

On the third official day of spring, many of us woke up to the sight of a sprinkling of snow on the ground.

Nevertheless, at AFT Massachusetts we’re manifesting the end of winter and the coming of spring—and that’s why we are sending out Save the Dates for our Spring Town Hall!

Join fellow AFT MA members from across the state to recap our 2026 Convention, celebrate and learn from locals’ recent wins, share updates on budget and legislative fights, dive deep on school safety, and get ready for an action-packed spring.

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AFT MASSACHUSETTS: “WE’RE WITH ED”

AFT Massachusetts proudly endorses Ed Markey, with photo of Ed

“When working families need an advocate, Senator Markey is there. When paras need respect and a living wage, Senator Markey is there. When parents are worried about the services their children rely on in the classroom, Senator Markey is there. Ed Markey shows up for working families, public education, and our communities—he doesn’t even need to be asked. He’s already there, ready to take on the tough fights, ready to meet the moment. Ed Markey always has our backs, and we will continue to have his,” said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang.

“I am honored to earn the endorsement of AFT Massachusetts—the backbone, the believers, the builders of our Commonwealth’s future. AFT MA educators support our students, stand with our families, and fortify the communities that sustain our democracy. I carry your voices into every fight in the United States Senate as we push back against the dangerous rise of MAGA extremism aimed at gutting public education. AFT MA educators are the backbone of our public schools, and I’ve fought to ensure teachers, librarians, and paraprofessionals earn a dignified starting salary—because one job should always be enough,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey. 

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