A high-quality public education can build much-needed skills and knowledge. It can help children reach their God-given potential. It can stabilize communities and democracies. It can strengthen economies. It can combat the kind of fear and despair that evolves into hatred. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
Learning should be engaging. Testing should not be the be all and end all. All students should have a broad curriculum that includes the arts and enrichment. Students should have opportunities to work in teams and engage in project-based learning. And student and family well-being should be front and center. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
There are essential elements for our public schools to fully develop the potential of both students and educators. They should be centers of community, where students, families and educators work together to support student success. They should foster collaboration. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
High-quality alternative educational settings should be available when students violate codes of conduct and need to be removed from the classroom while still maintaining access to instruction. And there must be social, health and psychological services to address students’ needs. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
When police or security personnel work in schools, they should follow the community policing model that integrates officers into school life, not just involve them when trouble arises. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
It’s hard work to ensure that all schools are safe and welcoming places for all children. It means changing policies, practices and cultures; providing school support personnel; and funding programs like restorative justice – not simply resorting to excessive and often discriminatory discipline. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
We all have a stake in ensuring that all students have the schools they deserve and that communities are leading this effort, not being left behind. To do that, we must challenge unchecked charter expansion and the forces driving it. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
For working people and union members, Labor Day stands for something special and profound. It’s a day to honor the deep commitment each of us has to serve the children we teach, the families we heal, and the communities we love. Randi Weingarten Read Quote
Parents need a full continuum of care and support from birth to kindergarten that is affordable and accessible – that means full day and full year. And let’s not forget that even in elementary school, working parents need access to the same kind of quality, affordable after-school programs! Randi Weingarten Read Quote
