“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. “AFT MA members are on the front lines of protecting our students and our democracy, and I’m honored to stand with you every day. Together, we will defend our public schools, uphold your rights as workers, and fight for a future where every child in Massachusetts has the best public school education that they deserve.”

“There are components of this report that we can all agree on, including areas that we have been and will continue to advocate for, including: accessibility to key academic courses, college and career planning, and attention to different types of learners.

“This preliminary report is just that—a starting point for discussion. We aren’t at the stage of endorsement or opposition.

“Whether or not the educators we represent can fully endorse this plan will depend on the final product.

“There are a number of outstanding questions that must be addressed, including those around the implementation process, the resources schools will need to support this new framework, and a clear understanding of exactly what will be required of our students and how their work will be measured."

Along with our union siblings, the AFT Massachusetts is committed to supporting the next generation of trade unionists to build a stronger tomorrow for all working families of the Commonwealth.

That’s why we award thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to eligible high school seniors who are dependents of AFT Massachusetts members. Scholarship awards are based on an applicant’s results on a labor history exam administered by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and honor former AFT leaders Kathy Kelley, Albert Shanker, and Sandra Feldman, and long-time field representative Jay Porter.

The labor history exam focuses on teaching our children about the history of unions and about groups of people who fought for better wages and protections.