La Joya AFT | AFT Stateweb

Randi Weingarten at a Massachusetts high school

Smears vs. solutions

Summer is upon us, and parents, children and teachers are winding down from what has been an exhausting and fully operational school year—the first since the devastating pandemic. The long-lasting impact of COVID-19 has affected our students’ and families’ well-being and ignited the politics surrounding public schools. All signs point to the coming school year unfolding with the same sound and fury, and if extremist culture warriors have their way, being even more divisive and stressful.

Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

In defense of public education

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

Share My Lesson Press Conference 8-9-12

Members of the La Joya and McAllen Federation of Teachers gathered for a press conference on August 9, 2012, to learn about a new initiative from the American Federation of Teachers called, "Share My Lesson." It is a website where all teachers can register to upload/download effective lessons and strategies they think might be helpful to other teachers around the world. Speaking at the press conference was Louis Malfaro, Texas AFT Secretary Treasurer; Ruth Skow, McAllen AFT President; Greg Barrerra, La Joya AFT President; Barbara Gonzalez, McAllen AFT Member/Kindergarten Teacher; and Torchy Champion, McAllen AFT Member/Teacher.

Absence Survey Results

Readers may recall receiving an email directing them to a survey conducted by the La Joya American Federation of Teachers regarding absences and the administration’s request for documentation. The survey was conducted before Christmas and LJAFT received 316 responses from 38 different worksites.

A Message to Texas House and Senate Members

Texas Legislature must "Make Education a Priority". At the start of the 2011-2012 school year, classrooms in Texas schools, will be short changed by $1000 less per student. So if you have 22 students in an elemantary classroom, that means you will have $22,000 less to educate those students.

We must get ready for 2012 Election to take back Texas schools. We have to go out and vote!!!

The Educator's Voice

May's newsletter will be a brief publication. This month has been very busy for you and me. You want a local organization to be there for you right away when issues arise, and that is what you will get by joining La Joya AFT. Local office and staff to help you out.