It isn’t enough for Texas public schools to survive. Our students deserve schools that help them thrive.
It’s Time to Thrive
Our fight to thrive is about creating respectful working conditions with more planning time, fewer added duties and extra paperwork, resources to prevent burnout before it starts, and a defined workday that doesn’t require us to sacrifice our personal lives for our jobs. Our union’s professional development and advocacy programs help members create a school culture that allows both employees and students to thrive.
Working Conditions Tracker
Sign up today to track the real issues in our public schools. Each week from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, we’ll email you a form to track certain working condions.
Support & Mentor Hotline
Have questions? Our network of experienced professionals are available to provide advice to assist your classroom needs.
Free Online Resource
Share My Lesson is the a free tool design for educators by educators and managed by AFT. Access resources and training webinars.
Free Webinar: Learn How to Thrive with our Share My Lesson Educator Resources
No matter how great the preparation program is, the minute you become a “real teacher” lots of theory goes out the window in favor of “real life” practical advice that helps you navigate the complexities of being a new teacher. Our free 2023 Share My Lesson webinar will help new teachers and their mentors consider important topics like institutional knowledge, handling conflict, social media, unions, and how to keep all the balls in the air!
We’re Stronger Together
When we say #TogetherWeThrive, we mean it. Real meaningful change for ourselves, our students, and our public schools is only possible if we stand and work together. Click to join our movement today.
SCHOOL FUNDING
Texas spends roughly $3,314 less per student than the national average each year. That adds up to about $18 billion less spent on Texas public schools than elsewhere in the United States. All this, even though our state has the world’s ninth-largest economy.
The 88th Legislature failed to put any new dollars into the base level of funding our schools get. Instead, lawmakers chased school vouchers.
SCHOOL STAFFING
Underfunding costs our students programs, extracurriculars, and chronic understaffing of educators and school staff who support them every day. 70% of Texas AFT members surveyed in 2022 said they were thinking of quitting, which is causing a staffing crisis.
The 88th Legislature refused to provide raises for any Texas school employee or even take up bills that would reduce class sizes.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Lack of resources and respect also makes our schools less safe. 98% of Texas students attend a school without proper staffing of nurses, counselors, & psychologists. And 90% of school employees worry their campus could be the site of a mass shooting.
The 88th Legislature did nothing to reduce gun violence and put just 28 cents more per student into the school safety fund.
Our Work To Thrive
Regardless of what state and district leaders choose to do, our members work tirelessly every day in their communities to help students thrive. Below are just a few examples of our work to thrive. You can can find more in our 2021-2023 Biennial Report.
The Path to Thriving Texas Schools
The state of Texas can afford #SchoolstoThrive. In a 2022 report, Texas AFT and Every Texan put a price tag on a different future, one in which lawmakers prioritize respect for public schools and their employees and one in which we work together to build a public education system that helps Texas children thrive.