Featured News
This Week in the Legislature: What We Heard at the Senate’s Voucher Hearing
The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every two years*. It’s a slim window to pass legislation, and it’s actually slimmer than you think. Much of the action in the Texas House and Senate has yet to begin this session as both chambers wait for Gov. Greg Abbott to release his list of “emergency items.”
Read MoreA Letter from Your Union President
I want to be honest and upfront with you. The consequences of the fast-approaching Republican and Democratic primary elections are especially high for educators and dire for our students.
Read MoreIndicted Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Denton ISD Over Alleged Electioneering
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Denton ISD, alleging two administrators violated the Texas Election Code.
Read MoreTexas AFT Survey Results a ‘Disaster Declaration’ for Public Education
After a year of legislative inaction and gubernatorial bullying, Texas AFT member survey finds 75% of K-12 school employees experiencing burnout, 69% of educators looking to leave, but also hope with 92% of educators declaring they are ready to vote.
Read MoreFeb. 23, 2024: Early Voting Kicks Off
Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 Could you use some good news? Because we could use some good news. Here at Texas AFT, we bring you need-to-know information on the state of public education in Texas with every Friday’s Hotline. And we are acutely aware that, by and large, the news we...
Read MoreSBEC Recap: Major Changes Approved for Educator Preparation
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met for its first regular meeting of the year on Feb. 16 in Austin.
Read MoreWave of Layoffs Hitting Public Schools in State with $32.7 Billion Surplus
A growing number of Texas public schools are confronting a wave of layoffs and budget cuts, highlighting a statewide crisis of chronic underfunding exacerbated by political decisions at the highest levels. Canutillo, Spring Branch, and Fort Worth Independent School Districts (ISDs) are among those facing dire financial constraints, leading to...
Read MoreIndifferent and Irresponsible: the disastrous first 50 days of Texas’ anti DEI law
The core purpose of this law, according to the bill text, is to stop institutions of higher education from “promoting differential treatment of or providing special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity,” but the implementation of the bill has revealed its practical, perhaps intentional, effect:...
Read MoreFeb. 16, 2024: Cut to the Bone
Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 Gov. Greg Abbott held yet another of his voucher rallies last week in San Antonio. Our members, active and retired, were there to greet him. Cut to the Bone Fact: Texas has a significant crisis of retaining teachers and qualified school staff. Another fact: Texas...
Read MoreReminder: Early Voting Starts Feb. 20!
It’s that time of year again: early voting season! As we get closer to the primary election date (March 5), it’s hugely important that we make our voices heard in this upcoming primary election. As the war on public education — and public educators — continues, we must elect candidates...
Read MoreVoucher Fact Check: Are Private School Vouchers “Pro-Teacher?”
In the voucher debate, pro-voucher advocates often tout a range of unsubstantiated benefits, claiming everything from improved student standardized test scores to potential savings for the state budget. In a recent statement on X, state Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) celebrated private school vouchers as a boon for teachers, suggesting...
Read MoreCorpus Christi ISD and Bonham ISD Discriminated Against Students of Color and Disabled Students, Complainants Allege
Last week, Texas Appleseed, Disability Rights Texas, National Center for Youth Law, and Texas Civil Rights Project filed complaints that allege that Bonham ISD (BISD) and Corpus Christi ISD (CCISD) are discriminating against students with disabilities. Complainants also allege that...
Read MoreTexas Teachers of Tomorrow? The Saga of an Alternative Certification Group Continues.
Though the company has hired a new CEO and initiated drastic steps toward compliance, Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, the largest educator preparation program (EPP) in the state, still finds itself imperiled in several certification areas and at risk of losing its accreditation status. Once known as A+ Texas Teachers, the...
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