As such, immediately after the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which saw Donald Trump win the election, the country’s largest teacher unions, which include the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), have promised to continue campaigning for what rightfully belongs to them, including defending the public education arena and the rights of all students.
The election outcome raises urgent questions about an future in which the investments in equal education for and by democratic values in the United States may end up as casualties. Both unions representing millions of educators throughout the country immediately reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring all students have access to quality, public education that is inclusive.
Unionists were challenged by NEA President Becky Pringle, brought to mind by words made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he said: “The road to freedom is a difficult, hard road.” Here, union members were asked to organize and to fight for students –marginalized communities–that face very high challenges with the new administration. The executive secretary added, “The mission of the NEA is one of constantly fighting for safe and welcoming public schools for all students and struggling against discriminatory policies.”.
AFT President Randi Weingarten kept emphasizing the indispensable function of public education and unions in American society. She restated her resolve to fight for the right of all children to equal opportunities side by side with defending the rights of public employees, educators included, and healthcare workers.
“Our guiding principle will be to improve lives, advocate for our children’s future, and uphold the promise of America,” she stated.
Both unions also voiced strong opposition to policies that threaten public education, including the diversion of public funds to private institutions. Despite the federal election result, state-level outcomes showed strong support for public education and reproductive rights. More voters rejected private school choice initiatives in several states and supported measures for financing K-12 and higher education, indicating the continued interest in a well-funded public schooling.
There was Education International, the global federation that represents education workers worldwide, strongly side by side with NEA and AFT in support of their combined efforts for creating inclusive and equitable schools.
EI also reiterated its call for governments worldwide to fully fund public education systems and invest in the teaching profession through its Go Public! Fund Education campaign.
