News

Biden’s “State of the Union” Speaks to AFSA Priorities

With schools facing increased costs from inflation and a growing educator shortage, it is imperative these federal resources are not taken away in future negotiations on spending caps. Indeed, we urge the president not only to defend these investments in Pre-K–12 programs, but to increase funding to, in his own words, “finish the job.”

Teaching Uncomfortable Topics

Black History Month opens the door for us as a nation to take on difficult issues. Truthful and honest history can open the door to understanding and caring.

Yakima Johnson: Principal, Union Leader, Author

“Looking back at my own childhood, I saw how important it was for me to mentor young girls in particular. I didn’t have any of that myself. I believe that God has destined me for this role, and that belief drives me every single day.”

Newark schools missed federal requirements for students with disabilities, state finds

After a review of district records, policies, classroom visits, and interviews with child study team members and administration, the New Jersey Department of Education found that Newark Public Schools failed to meet six federal responsibilities for students with disabilities. The state has ordered the district to take corrective action by November.

Former Newark elementary school principals take top roles at Science Park, Vocational

Both high schools are set to face more challenges following a year of learning disruptions due to COVID, student mental health, and staff burnout.

Mayor Ras J. Baraka Grand Marshal of 31st Annual Celebration of Labor Parade

On Friday, September 9, 2022 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm the Essex-West Hudson Labor Council, AFL-CIO sponsored “A Labor Day Parade and Interfaith Observance.” The parade was dedicated to the Late James A. Grogan, Jr. International President of the Insulator’s Union. The Grand Marshall was the Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark. The Deputy Grand Marshall was Doug Placa, Executive Director of JNESO-IUOE District 1.

Program Chair - Gerald Newsome, Pres. IFPTE Local 195
Co-Chair - Crystal Williams, IBEW Local 827 & Newark Board Member

Talking with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler

For Liz Shuler, the last year has been a whirlwind.

Since she unexpectedly succeeded the late Richard Trumka a year ago, and especially since the AFL-CIO Convention in Philadelphia, new federation President Shuler has raced around the country, addressing 10 union conventions and a new special Smart-TD Union leadership conference in San Francisco just in the last 2-1/2 weeks alone. 

She’s held picket-line discussions with workers forced to strike. In Minnesota, youthful organizers loaded her with suggestions on new organizing methods, targets and priorities.

DOE Invites Applicants for More Than $6 Million in Project Prevent Grant Program Funds to Support School Safety

Grants will expand capacity of local educators to implement community- and school-based strategies to help prevent community violence and mitigate the impacts of exposure to community violence.

Equitable and Affordable Health Care—Take Action

Ensuring equitable and affordable health care for all Americans is one step closer and you can help make it happen. It’s time to take action to get the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 passed in the House of Representatives, which has scheduled a vote for Friday, Aug. 12, just two days from now. 

Call your representative at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote yes for H.R. 5376.