AFT Michigan

As we celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, we also contend with the reality of a democracy in decline. Civic education is crucial for all students to learn to fight for their rights and take on their responsibilities so that we may keep our republic. In the Summer 2026 issue of American Educator, learn how civic programs empower students to solve problems in their communities and how educators can help students grapple with big ideas that bring civic learning to life.

Also in this issue: AFT President Randi Weingarten outlines a plan for boosting student learning in the AI era; educators and researchers show how to support reading and math instruction and student well-being; and AFT-Wisconsin president Jon Shelton shares how his union members are fighting for their voices to be heard.

🔗: aft.org/ae/summer2026

TODAY: Join the next AFT Affordability Clinic today at 7 p.m. EDT and hear from experts on navigating student loan debt and understanding your rights and options, because investing in your future shouldn’t mean immediate financial instability.

Register here ⬇️
https://web.cvent.com/event/e9c61181-c2f6-40d4-9ce4-013f1f911889/register

Join us in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week! Throughout the week, we'll be highlighting teachers who have joined the Invest In MI Kids campaign. These educators have fought tirelessly for the wellbeing of their students, and we are so grateful to know each of them 💛

Melzitta Davis, a Special Education Teacher with DPSCD, speaks to the heart of this campaign: "Zip codes should not determine funding." She has witnessed firsthand how unfairly schools across the state are funded. Melzitta fights with IMK because the new revenue stream will go toward classrooms, career and technical education, and reducing class sizes 🤲🏾

Support Melzitta by checking out her classroom wishlist: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31LS16TP2QECQ