News

Dr. Cynthia Warren: A Voice for Women

“Women must speak up. Even though sometimes we are in the minority, we know that our voices often lead others through turbulent times. A great leader knows her strengths and uses them to make positive change. I am a voice for women.”

Gina Battista: Resilient Leader

“We have to really start looking at education and we have to go deeper. We have to focus on teacher practices to make learning more student-based and get them beyond the surface of learning.”

Monique Pruitt: Feeding Children During the Crisis

“My superheroes are my BASAS family, my union family, within Food and Nutrition Services. Real heroes to me are the staff who come to work every day, who show up in the blink of an eye."

Biden’s “State of the Union” Speaks to AFSA Priorities

With schools facing increased costs from inflation and a growing educator shortage, it is imperative these federal resources are not taken away in future negotiations on spending caps. Indeed, we urge the president not only to defend these investments in Pre-K–12 programs, but to increase funding to, in his own words, “finish the job.”

Teaching Uncomfortable Topics

Black History Month opens the door for us as a nation to take on difficult issues. Truthful and honest history can open the door to understanding and caring.

Shawna Codrington: A Servant-Leader

“As a child, we sometimes struggled financially and were always moving, but I had this very cool teacher, Mr. Madigan, who saw something in me and met with my mom and encouraged her not to move again, for the sake of my achievement.”

John Ross: The Unexpected Educator

As the only Black teacher, and the only male, John allowed other teachers to observe his classes.

Yakima Johnson: Principal, Union Leader, Author

“Looking back at my own childhood, I saw how important it was for me to mentor young girls in particular. I didn’t have any of that myself. I believe that God has destined me for this role, and that belief drives me every single day.”

Gun Violence

In just the last three weeks of this new year, there have been 40 shootings. There were 647 mass shootings in 2022 alone. Firearms are now the No. 1 cause of death among American children.