Featured News
Federal Reshuffle of the U.S. Department of Education: What Happens When Core Functions Are Scattered
When the U.S. Department of Education (ED) quietly signed six interagency agreements on Nov 18, transferring major functions to agencies including the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of State (State), the move didn’t come with a congressional vote. Nor did it come with a stakeholder comment period, public hearings, or...
Read MoreJune 13, 2025: The work of our union
Friday, June 13, 2025 Looking Back (from left to right): Brownsville Educators Stand Together members presenting a resolution to the school board, Spring AFT members unboxing books for a Reading Opens the World event, and Texas AFT United members meeting with legislative staff. The Work of Our Union Next...
Read MoreSBOE Preview: Six More Charter Schools Up for Approval
The State Board of Education will convene in Austin Tuesday, June 24, at 9 a.m. CT through Friday, June 27. A critical item on the agenda is the Generation 30 (2025) charter applicants that move forward to the SBOE for a final vote on Jun 27, 2025. The Commissioner of...
Read MoreUnpacking the 89th Legislature: Your Right to Fair Wages
Educators across Texas have long fought for wages that reflect the vital work they do in our classrooms, cafeterias, and campuses. Yet despite their dedication, Texas teachers earn over $9,000 less than the national average and receive $5,000 less in per-student funding. Inflation-adjusted, their salaries are 6% below 2015 levels,...
Read MoreAdvocates Act Against the Repeal of the Texas Dream Act
On June 4, just two days after the Texas Legislature came to a close, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the State of Texas over the 2001 law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. This came after House Bill 232 and Senate Bill...
Read MoreUnion Wins in San Antonio
Saturday, June 7 was Election Day for May local election runoffs, and it was a great day for San Antonio labor. Alongside San Antonio Central Labor Council peers, Northside AFT and San Antonio Alliance members have knocked doors, made calls, and organized their communities in support of candidates who will...
Read MoreJune 6, 2025: A nightmare for Dreamers
Friday, June 6, 2025 Downloadable poster available with other immigration resources from AFT. A nightmare for Dreamers On Wednesday, within hours of a federal lawsuit filed against Texas over our state’s decades-old DREAM Act, Attorney General Ken Paxton readily sold out the future of our state and urged the court...
Read MoreTexas AFT Joins National Civil Rights Coalition to Oppose Federal Voucher Scheme
Texas AFT has joined over 140 national, state, and grassroots organizations, including labor unions, civil rights groups, and education advocates, in signing a forceful letter opposing any federal attempt to create a private school voucher program.
Read MoreNo Kings Day: Nationwide Day of Defiance on June 14
Right now, the very things working people rely on — public schools, decent health care, retirement, good wages and a voice at work — are all under attack by this Congress and the current president.
Read MoreTEA Extends Houston ISD Takeover Through 2027, Sparking Outrage from Educators
Last week, the Texas Education Agency announced that it would extend the state takeover of Houston ISD until at least June 1, 2027, keeping Commissioner Mike Morath’s appointed Board of Managers, and controversial Superintendent Mike Miles, in control of the state’s largest school district for another two years.
Read MoreThis Week in Higher Education: The Last Gasps of Nightmare Legislative Session
This was a long, brutal legislative session for education across the board, but because of our members' tireless work against these destructive efforts, we were able to push the needle and reduce harm for our communities.
Read MoreThis (Final) Week in the Legislature: Where Things Stand for Our Public Schools
There is much to unpack and process in the bills making their way to the governor’s desk. Several pieces of major legislation effectively will rewrite large portions of the education code and change how our schools operate.
Read MoreStatement on the Revocation of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
"Every Texas student has the right to a high-quality, affordable education, regardless of their zip code, race, socioeconomic bracket, or immigration status – all factors outside of their control. "
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