Hispanic Heritage Month is one of the most diverse periods of celebration on our national calendar. This period is so rich because of the wide-range of Americans who have Hispanic ancestry. The month is a period of recognition for people whose ancestors come from far reaching places such as Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. The unique customs from each group enliven and enrich the American experience.  Click to read MORE

As students and staff of Baltimore city public schools return today after the violence on Friday, our hearts continue to be with the Mervo High School community. The pain and trauma of the violence at the school rippled across the city touching each and every person who works with students or has a young person in their life. We are deeply saddened by the horrific event causing Baltimore to lose another promising young man to senseless gun violence.  Returning to school, even after a long weekend, can be a difficult reminder of the very real and present dangers our young people face on a daily basis. We echo the calls of President Diamonté Brown of the Baltimore Teachers Union when she says... Click to read MORE

Happy Labor Day weekend, members! For workers, this day is among the most sacred in our country. It is the only federal holiday on the calendar set aside to acknowledge labor. Today, the labor movement is under a vicious attack. The Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 decision sought to undermine the public employee labor movement while our siblings in the private sector labor movement are constantly fighting against wage theft, non-payment, and insufficient wages for an honest day’s work. Our strength is in our solidarity. Workers across the country are under attack, but there is hope. We are fighting back. Click to read MORE

Children in Baltimore city may not be excited about going back to school, but they were excited for a fun filled day in East Baltimore. The Baltimore City Council President’s Office hosted a back to school event that brought hundreds of families out to Eager Park in East Baltimore. The event was supported by a number of business and non-profit partners showing what public-private partnerships in Baltimore can produce. AFT-Maryland members and staff were on hand to provide school supplies and register Baltimoreans to vote. Click through to read MORE

Welcome Back, Education Professionals! I know so many of our education professionals have been busy preparing for the return of students. I share your excitement for the start of the new school year and all the promise it holds. As we begin this new year, your union and state federation have been working diligently on Blueprint implementation. This transformative legislation that was years in the making should crystallize your work as education professionals. At every step in the process of implementation, we want to hear from you. You are the ones on the front line and can see what’s most effective for education professionals on a day-to-day basis.  Click through for MORE