Newsroom
Book review: From Mission to Microchip, A History of the California Labor Movement
Working people have been organizing in California since the 18th century. And, as Utah Phillips says, we workers do not get benevolent gifts from enlightened management.
A veteran teacher’s perspective on magic, old and new
Will “newer” always be seen as “better,” despite the evidence?
I recently received an email from a first-year sixth grade teacher asking about my classroom management system. I’ve taught for 37 years, making me a veteran teacher by any reckoning.
Flattered of course, I revealed the nitty-gritty of my ticket system. Long and short of it — when kids are good they get tickets. When negative behaviors transpire, tickets are taken away.
Choose the best candidates
Hillary Clinton for U.S. President
The AFT and the CFT have endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States in 2016. In vision, experience and leadership, she is the candidate working people need in the White House.
Nine killed in Mexico fighting punitive education reform
Government turns to violence, refuses to negotiate
Since the killing of nine demonstrators in the Oaxacan town of Nochixtlán on June 19, Mexico has been in an uproar over the force used against teachers resisting corporate education reform. As the school year started on August 22, teachers in four states refused to return to classes until the perpetrators of the massacre are held responsible and there is a negotiated agreement to change the government’s program.
San Francisco faculty struck for a day and won
Local unity gains good contract, overdue pay raises
The faculty union at City College of San Francisco pulled off a one-day strike on April 27, despite the administration’s claim that the strike was illegal. To avert another strike, the college agreed to a union contract with substantial raises by July.
Yes on Proposition 55: We can’t go back
What difference has Proposition 30 meant for public education in California?
A deluge of March 15 layoff notices removed one in 10 teachers from K-12 classrooms between 2008 and 2011. In Watsonville, Pajaro Valley Unified sent 158 notices in 2010-11. And this year? None.
Union celebrates banner year for legislative action
Union celebrates banner year for legislative action
Through the hard work and advocacy of leaders, members, and staff, the CFT recorded one of its most successful legislative sessions ever. During the 2015-16 session, the union sent an unprecedented five CFT-sponsored bills, and helped send another three priority bills, to the governor for his signature. Gov. Brown had until September 30 to sign or veto the bills, which are listed below.
Family engagement coordinators perform vital outreach
New classified positions flourish under Local Control Accountability Plans
The first time most parents or guardians of a Berkeley student meet Jocelyn Foreman is soon after bad news has knocked on their door. Be it a death in the family, an eviction notice, a pink slip, or any crisis that throws a household into chaos, Foreman is there to help.
How should progressives vote in the Presidential Election?
By Joshua Pechthalt, CFT President
With less than one month left in the presidential contest and the race for the White House tightening, progressives have to make some clear-eyed decisions about whom to support. Will they support Hillary Clinton or will they cast a protest vote and support Jill Stein?
Rank & Files, Sept-Oct 2016
Jennifer Russell, psychology teacher and member of the Novato Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1986, was selected as the Marin County Teacher of the Year for 2016-17 and honored for helping students learn about themselves through portfolio assignments and equipping them with skills necessary for college success in her AVID courses. Marin County’s superintendent said to her, “You have mastered the art of teaching students that achievement is much more than a number or letter.”
Local Wire, Sept-Oct 2016
LOCAL 6554
Contagious…This spring Ann Marie Wasserbauer, president of the
Association of College Educators, delivered 513 petitions from
faculty and students to the West Valley-Mission Community College
Board of Trustees with the message: “Come back to the bargaining
table!”
California Supreme Court affirms appeal court decision: “Vergara v. California” is over
A summary of the Vergara lawsuit
Educators applaud Supreme Court ruling in meritless Vergara lawsuit
August 22, 2016 — Statement by CFT
President
“We applaud the state Supreme Court’s affirmation of the appeal
court decision,” said Joshua Pechthalt, president of the
California Federation of Teachers. “The teacher shortage facing
California has been stoked by the Vergara case, the expensive
publicity machine surrounding it, and the constant attacks by
so-called reformers on teachers and public education.
- Answer to Petition for Review of Intervenors-Respondents CFT/ CTA
- Appellate Court decision overturning Vergara Lawsuit
- News Conference Prior to Oral Arguments in Appeal of Flawed Vergara Ruling
- CFT/CTA Appeal Brief
- California Educators Appeal Decision in Meritless Vergara Lawsuit,
- Judge’s final “Vergara” ruling an attack on teachers, Education unions to appeal
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