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The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

As the Trump administration continues to attack higher education—cutting research grants, targeting free speech and restricting classroom materials—the AFT and the American Association of University Professors have unveiled a powerful new blueprint to restore and preserve higher education, just in time for the 2026 midterms.

“All we asked for was equity. Billerica teachers and paraprofessionals deserve a contract that incorporates the same level of fairness and respect that their colleagues in neighboring communities receive and I’m proud to say, we achieved that,” said BFT President Dave Adams.

“This new contract means we don’t need to choose between the job we love and being able to take care of ourselves and our families,” said Donna Bijeol, a paraprofessional at Parker Elementary School. “Billerica paras are dedicated to our community and our union, and our fellow educators, who stood up for us during these tense negotiations.”

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.

Together, we’ve turned out for bigger and bigger actions to defend our labor movement and our democracy, from Hands Off last April, to the first No Kings in June, to Labor Day 2025, to No Kings II last October.

As the snow *finally!* thaws, it’s time to take to the streets again on March 28th for No Kings III. Will you join us?

In the months since the last No Kings event, we’ve seen the ongoing dismantling of the US Dept. of Education, ICE occupation of Minnesota—including raids on schools and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos on his way home from school—and a renewed effort to pass the SAVE Act, which would impose aggressive voter ID laws that would disenfranchise millions of Americans.

But we’re fighting back. For our community. For our students. For each other. And we hope you’ll join us on March 28th for No Kings III.

Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books, controlling curriculum, and censoring history.

AFT President Randi Weingarten’s new book Why Fascists Fear Teachers tells the story of what teachers do and why those who are afraid of freedom and opportunity try to stop them. It explains why all Americans should care about attacks on schools and teachers—whether they have school-aged children or not. In the past as today, the fate of the United States is inexorably intertwined with the fate of public education.

Please join us for an important and timely conversation with Randi Weingarten. Learn what’s at stake, how these attacks hurt our kids and our country, and how we can fight back.

New year, new season—and that means it’s time for the AFT Massachusetts statewide Winter Town Hall! 🎊

From our classrooms to the State House to the halls of Congress, there is A LOT going on in 2026, and we’re only two weeks into the year. So join fellow AFT MA members from locals across the state as we dive deep on the school funding crisis, give updates on healthcare changes, discuss updates on statewide graduation requirements and AFT MA’s strategic plan, and provide space for locals to connect directly with each other. Plus, we’ll be joined by Senator Ed Markey for key federal updates impacting our union and communities!

Register today to join us on Wednesday, January 28th at 7pm!

After nine bargaining sessions and time in mediation with the district, the North Attleboro Federation of Teachers secured a new contract for the 350+ members it represents in the North Attleboro public schools. The three-year contract includes big wins on wages, stipends, sick leave, and longevity that add up to the best contract in a generation of NAFT teachers.

“For me, the most important thing I have seen throughout this process has been a dramatic increase in member engagement. I have the utmost respect and admiration for our members who spoke at both our rally and to the school committee. Their stories helped to personalize what can be a very impersonal process,” said NAFT President Bob Collins. “The newfound energy and unity have inspired me and so many others to continue working to ensure that all of our members have the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling career as educators in North Attleboro.”