Your Voices Matter was the focus of the TEACH 2015 (Together Educating America’s Children)
The AFT TEACH conference held July 2015 in Washington, D.C, celebrated the work we do and provides inspiration for the work that lies ahead. Educators, union leaders, administrators, activists, and civic and community leaders came together for high– quality workshops, overviews of innovative work, exciting demonstration of the latest educational technology, thought-provoking keynote speakers and much more.
I could feel the passion for their cause. I was constantly surrounded by vast amounts of knowledge from people that were willing to share information from technology to community and organization building.
I learned of different organizations like the Progressive Caucus, The Black Caucus, #Day1 Campaign, Be a Buddy Not a Bully and so many more. The environment was definitely one conducive to generating innovative ideas and empowerment.
I can’t explain the explosive power released through the conference as different teachers from around the country stood in the illumination of a spotlight and shared stories of why their voices matter. The vocal drive of AFT President Randi Weingarten was commanding as she relentlessly gave multiple speeches each day of the conference.
The best way to get a glimpse of the workshops is to Google AFT TEACH 2015 July 13-15 and click on the Watch TEACH video highlights.
-Jimmie Mathis (Duncanville ISD)