Voting for Democracy
While the 2022 mid-term election feels like just yesterday, the 2024 election is just around the corner and we know that education is on the table. From pay for educators and classified staff, to class sizes, to school vouchers – one side seeks to destroy education in America as we know it while the other side seeks to lift up our profession and invest in the future of our country by providing high quality education to every single student regardless of their background.
AFT President Randi Weingarten said it best in her column Voting for democracy and a better life: “In a year when extremists sought to wage culture wars in our schools, rather than focus on the supports young people need to recover and thrive, election results showed a deep well of support for the promise and potential of public education and the investments parents want to help their kids.”
The future of public education and democracy may be on the table but that future is bright. Just this week Brandon Johnson, an educator and union leader, was elected Mayor of Chicago defeating Paul Vallas, a pro school privatization and charter advocate. Also, Judge Janet Protasiewicz won her race for Wisconsin Supreme Court – a race that pitted an experienced and fair judge against a candidate who openly supported the January 6th insurrection – and tipped the balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Justice will continue to be on the ballot and working together we will continue to fight for the communities we serve.
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
We celebrated Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on Wednesday and know that paraprofessionals and classified staff are critical to student learning and success. It’s never too late to thank the paraprofessionals and the classified professionals who are there day in and day out for our students and their families.
Recognizing our members’ faiths
Passover began on Wednesday night and we join our Jewish members who observe in celebrating freedom and continued hope for a world where all people are free.
Happy Easter to those celebrating this Sunday. We wish you a joyous day with your families and communities.
And Ramadan Mubarak to all of our Muslim members and their families who observe.
