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Priorities
Our union is the strongest voice for public school employees in Texas. We don’t just talk the talk. We walk the walk, advocating for your best interests at the state, local, and national levels.
All endorsements have been recommended by our Texas AFT Committee on Political Education (COPE) and approved by our state federation’s executive council.
Teachers and school staff must participate in every level of the democratic process so they can have a voice at every table — at the school board, at the state Capitol, in the halls of Congress, and at the ballot box.
Texas AFT centers our actions on consistent reevaluations of our members’ views and current needs throughout each year. Through surveys we maintain priorities to pursue each biennium for Texas’ Legislative Session.
Our work and values
As a state federation, we advocate on behalf of our members to state leaders and the Texas Legislature, just as our national union lobbies the U.S. Congress and our local unions focus on issues related to their districts and school boards.While the fights may change, our commitment to these basic principles never wavers.
Funding our public schools
We actively support candidates who support our public schools. We are building coalitions to move state lawmakers to action to fund public education adequately. Full funding leads to small class sizes, additional classroom resources, competitive salaries, and a bright future for our students.
Keeping our schools public
We oppose any and all forms of voucher legislation that would drain dollars from our public schools to fund unaccountable charter schools or private schools. Vouchers in any shape or form are bad for Texas schoolchildren.
Proudly a union
We don't shy away from our union label, unlike some of our competitors. We don't allow administrators to join Texas AFT, meaning our resources and advocacy are focused on you and your colleagues.
Professional development
We work hard to provide the professional resources that help our members succeed. Our nonprofit Bridges Institute for Professional Development provides a wide variety of high-quality, research-based information.
Defending free speech
Education employees do not waive their First Amendment rights at the campus doors. Our union believes that overreach on teaching can limit student success and engagement, while putting additional pressure on already intense careers.
Championing community schools
Our union is the leading organization implementing community schools to give struggling campuses the support they truly need. The community schools model is a proven method to make our neighborhood schools successful.
Affordable health care & secure retirement
Our union believes everyone has a right to accessible and affordable health care, along with a dignified retirement. We are fighting for increases in the state’s contributions to health care funding to lower premiums for working families, as well as a permanent cost-of-living adjustment for retired Texas educators.
