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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 Town Hall with AFT President Randi Weingarten

Needless to say, it’s a busy time, and there’s a lot going on. Many AFT Massachusetts locals are in active bargaining, working to build the skills and power they need to win big for members as cities and towns grapple with the consequences of losing millions in federal dollars for public education. Federal policy changes are causing real harm for our students, our members, and institutions—both public and private.

We’ve got a plan—but it’s going to take all of us acting in solidarity.

That’s why we need you to join us for our virtual Fall Town Hall on Thursday, October 16th at 5:15pm! We’ll cover the work being done here and nationwide and launch some exciting events and resources we’ve built to help you and your local fight for a better future.

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Peabody Educator Returning to Classroom

Joint Peabody Statement

“The Peabody Public Schools and Peabody Federation of Teachers are deeply committed to the wellbeing, safety, and education of all students of Peabody. After a thorough review of the details related to the alleged social media policy violation, the school department and the teacher’s union are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement that will allow the Peabody educator to return to the classroom on October 1, 2025.

“It is important that our community work together to foster greater understanding and respect opinions that differ from our own. We hope that the same things students are learning in the classroom, including how to engage in debate thoughtfully, the importance of empathy, and how to be a critical thinker, can find their way back into our public discourse.

“We look forward to continued collaboration and working together to prevent any further disruptions in our schools.”

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AFT Massachusetts Plays Important Role in Healey Administration’s Efforts to Safeguard Research and Development and Higher Education

Quote from Jessica Tang

Over the summer, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts was on hand as Governor Maura Healey announced a new, multi-faceted approach to support the state’s innovation economy and the work being done at institutions of higher education across the Commonwealth.

The Discovery, Research, Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative proposes significant state investment as a way to leverage private and institutional resources to retain world-class talent, preserve jobs and protect the engines of Massachusetts’ innovation economy. 

"Our state colleges and universities have a transformational impact, from providing opportunities for economic mobility through a world-class education to serving as regional economic engines providing good jobs to over 50,000 people across the state to leading crucial research and development responsible for improving lives on a global scale,” said President Tang. “The actions from the White House have put all of that in jeopardy. Jobs are being lost. A college degree is moving even more out of reach for thousands of students. The research and free-flowing exchange of ideas and knowledge being stifled will have irreparable consequences for generations to come. We applaud Governor Healey for taking some proactive steps to support our public and private institutions of higher education and minimize some of the damage we can expect here in Massachusetts.”

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