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Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

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Paraeducators Look for Recognition, Livable Wages as School Returns

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August 31, 2018

Washington News Service | Eric Tegethoff, Producer

Tacoma, WA - A low-paid group of educators known as paraeducators (or "paras") say it's time they received livable wages. Paras assist teachers in the classroom, often working with students with disabilities and in the special education department. Comments from Barbara Randall-Saleh ("suh-LEE"), president, Tacoma Federation of Paraeducators. [more]

For release: August 30, 2018

Tukwila -- AFT Washington stands in solidarity with the K-12 public school strikes and our sisters and brothers from the Washington Education Association in their efforts to get a fair contract.

Karen Strickland, president of AFT Washington, said “This is about respect and building the middle class. For decades teachers and school-support employees, whether in K-12 or higher education, have been undervalued and underpaid for their work. Educators should earn enough to have economic security and take care of their families.”

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Join Your Union

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When we stand together, we have power in numbers. That power allows for us to bargain a good contract that includes decent pay, health care, retirement security, and better working conditions. It gives us a seat at the table with our employer to negotiate for things that improve our job and allow us to better serve our communities. Interested in joining? Contact your local to become a member!

Not sure who to talk to at your local? Contact Cortney Marabetta at cmarabetta@aftwa.org for help.

COPE: Building Our Union's Power, Building a Better Future

The Committee on Political Education, or COPE, is the political arm of AFT Washington. COPE is a voice for AFT Washington as we advocate for a stronger education system at all levels in Washington and for better working conditions for our members. Lawmakers, whether on local school boards, in the state legislature, or in statewide offices, make decisions that affect our students’ learning conditions and our members’ wages, benefits and working conditions. Through COPE, we work to support candidates and that support our members.

COPE is not funded by member dues. We depend on voluntary contributions to fund this work, which includes:

  • Drafting candidate questionnaires for the various offices and positions under consideration
  • Evaluating completed candidate questionnaires Interviewing candidates
  • Deciding which candidates warrant endorsement and to which candidates we should make a campaign donation

AFT Washington's COPE is a statewide committee made up of contributing members that decide which candidates will best support our members’ interests and makes endorsements and contributions on that basis. By supporting and electing candidates who agree with our members’ priorities, we've racked up an impressive slate of wins.

Now we've made it easier for you to contribute to COPE. We have a secure, online donation website through which you can donate a flat, one-time amount or recurring weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual contribution. As an on-line COPE contributor, you will receive an email receipt each time your contribution is withdrawn from your account.

If you wish to contribute by mail, please click the link below for the AFT Washington Voluntary COPE Contribution form and follow the instructions.

For questions, contact AFT Washington at aftwashington@aftwa.org or (206) 242-4777.

You can also download the COPE brochure here.