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This November saw local elections for School Committee and City Council all across Massachusetts. As local communities prepare to receive millions of dollars in new state funding from the Student Opportunity Act, educators and their parent, student, and community allies are working to ensure that local officials are committed to spending that money in the classroom to support students’ needs. AFT Massachusetts members were active in dozens of local electoral campaigns this fall: knocking doors, holding signs, calling voters, and casting their ballots to support pro-public education candidates.

“As teachers, we know that policy doesn't always take into account the perspectives of those of us who work with students every day, who see both the triumphs and the struggles of modern education, and who truly know what we need from decisionmakers,” says Lipsett, the newly-elected Woburn School Committee member. “That's why we need to use our collective power to make sure our schools are focused on what students and teachers need. That means getting involved in local politics - advocating, voting, and even running.”

“The people working in our school system have dedicated their lives to developing lifelong learners and it is time for city leadership to stand by them,” said AFT Amesbury Presidnet Cindy Yetman in the union’s endorsement announcement. “We need real leaders who will advocate for what’s best for children; fight for fair, equitable school funding and bold, innovative supports; and respect our profession and worker voice in schools and classrooms.”

Members of AFT Amesbury, along with parents and other community members, engaged in an all-out campaign to support the endorsed candidates, who campaigned together as an “Amesbury Schools Coalition Candidates” slate. 

As educators and AFT members, we know that elections have real consequences, but the 2020 presidential election is especially important. The more involved we are, the stronger our collective voice is and the more effective our political role becomes.

With the 2020 presidential election underway, AFT members’ voices need to be heard. AFT members – make sure you take this quick survey to share your priorities in a presidential endorsement!

The AFT executive council has approved a presidential endorsement process that aspires to ensure the greatest level of participation of AFT members ever, by expanding the opportunities for members to give input and feedback, providing for direct candidate engagement with AFT members, and striving for the highest level of member participation ever achieved in an AFT presidential endorsement process.

“AFT Massachusetts members stand in strong solidarity with the Chicago Teachers Union in your fight for real education justice,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “When you bargain for lower class sizes and fully staffed schools, wrap around services and restorative justice, and equal pay and fair benefits, your fight is our fight, and we’re with you all the way.”

“We’re deeply inspired by your commitment to improving your students’ lives and strengthening your schools’ communities,” Kontos continued. “You’ve shown in the past that when we stand together and fight for what’s right, we win, and we have no doubt you’ll prove it again. Educators, parents, students, and community allies in Massachusetts are standing with you until you win a contract that’s good for students and fair to educators – whatever it takes.”

“The Lynn Teachers Union’s contract negotiation shows what we can achieve when educators identify the outstanding needs that exist in our schools and work together with students, parents, and community members to fix them,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “From higher pay for new employees that will help the Lynn schools attract great new educators, to an extra 40 minutes each week for elementary school teachers to communicate with parents or prepare lesson plans, this contract is good for Lynn students and fair to their educators. Congratulations to all the members of the Lynn Teachers Union on their new contract!”