News Releases
Jeff Freitas and Luukia Smith elected to lead CFT at the 2019 CFT Convention
History made with leadership election: Freitas and Smith are the first out LGBTQ members to lead CFT and Smith is the first classified member elected to a top CFT leadership position
For immediate release
Contact: Matthew Hardy (510-703-5291)
Educators and classified professionals from throughout California gathered for the 2019 CFT Convention this past weekend at the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The Convention marked the 100th anniversary of the CFT, which was founded by eight local teachers’ unions in Vallejo in 1919.
CFT stands with our UTLA members striking to save LAUSD public schools
CFT calls on LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner to immediately settle a contract that truly invests in LA public schools
As the 33,000 teachers of the United Teachers Los Angeles walked the picket line for the first time in 30 years today, the California Federation of Teachers offered their unequivocal support for their members who are courageously taking a stand to save public education in Los Angeles. CFT joined parent, community, labor, Civil Rights, and religious leaders in demanding that LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner immediately settle a contract that fully invests in public schools.
CFT applauds Governor Newsom for his commitment to public education in his first state budget
The California Federation of Teachers applauded Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2019-2020 budget today, highlighting the governor’s commitment to increased funding for schools and colleges, profound investment in early education and kindergarten, further investment in public employee pensions, and his two years of free community college for all students.
CFT Strongly Supports Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House
California Federation of Teachers President Joshua Pechthalt released the following statement in support of Nancy Pelosi to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives:
“Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has proven time and again that she is the right person to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nancy Pelosi is a strong and effective leader who works tirelessly and successfully in the interests of our students, our families, and our communities.
Teachers and classified workers celebrate Tony Thurmond victory for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Teachers and school workers also congratulate Gavin Newsom, California’s next governor
The California Federation of Teachers celebrated the election of Tony Thurmond for State Superintendent of Public Instruction on Saturday as a resounding call by voters to protect public education. Fighting the headwinds of unprecedented spending by a handful of billionaires and mega-donors in support of Marshall Tuck, Thurmond ran a campaign based on investing in all public schools and supporting all students.
CFT statement on Governor Brown signing CFT-sponsored AB 406, banning for-profit charter schools in California
The following is a statement from CFT President Joshua Pechthalt on California Governor Jerry Brown signing AB 406. AB 406 was sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers and authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (AD-7) and co-authored by Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (AD-15).
California teachers denounce Janus v. AFSCME decision as an attack on their voice and on public education
Teachers and school employees vow to continue the fight for their professions, their students, and public education
This morning the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Mark Janus in the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 case. The ruling overturned decades of precedent and eliminated the ability of public sector unions to collect fair share, or agency fees.
CFT Statement Calling on the Trump Administration to Immediately Cease Separating Families at the Border
The following is a statement from CFT President Josh Pechthalt calling on the Trump administration to immediately cease separating families at the border
California Federation of Teachers Endorses Gavin Newsom for Governor
The following is a statement on the endorsement by CFT President Josh Pechthalt:
“The California Federation of Teachers is proud to endorse Gavin Newsom for governor of California. As educators, we are deeply impressed by Gavin’s proven track record and strong progressive vision for our state and our schools.
California Federation of Teachers Condemns Trump’s Decision to End DACA Program, Calls on Congress to Immediately Pass Dream Act
Statement from CFT President Joshua Pechthalt
The California Federation of Teachers strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which threatens the future of 800,000 young immigrants brought to the United States as children. In California alone more than 200,000 Dreamers and their families are now at risk.
CFT reaches settlement with accrediting agency
Fair accreditation practices will be the norm going forward.
Statement from CFT President Joshua Pechthalt
Thurmond for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Thurmond has demonstrated time and again he is a champion of public education.
Faculty call for answers, not vague promises
Statement to ACCJC from CFT
Accreditor’s accountability still the main issue
Ever since the Chancellor’s Accreditation Task Force revealed in 2015 that the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is no longer widely accepted in its community, and does not meet the needs of California public higher education, faculty have been waiting for concrete action to move to a new accreditor.
Petaluma Strike Protests Unfair Labor Practices
United showing by teachers highlights policies threatening quality education.
On the Seating of Charter School Advocates to the LAUSD Board of Education
Statement from the California Federation of Teachers
“With Steve Zimmer’s defeat in his reelection campaign for LAUSD Board of Education, along with the defeat of Imelda Padilla, education policy is once again being shaped by big moneyed interests.
On Governor Brown’s 2017-2018 Budget Revision
Statement from the California Federation of Teachers
On Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown presented his revised budget proposal for 2017-2018, and the CFT recognizes the concerns that Gov. Brown has with ongoing pressure coming out of Washington.
Day of Action brings out CFT Members across state
“Build Schools, Not Walls” say educators across the state
As educators join with immigrants to celebrate International Workers Day, the origins of the holiday resonate deeply with what’s going on in our country today.
CFT Supports Case Contesting Trump Executive Order
Union Joins Amicus Brief Challenging Policies That Could Harm Students
The California Federation of Teachers has joined an expansive group of public schools, districts and other education associations in filing a friend of the court brief in the case of County of Santa Clara v. Donald J. Trump, et al.
CFT Supports Case Contesting Trump Executive Order
Union Joins Amicus Brief Challenging Policies That Could Harm Students
The California Federation of Teachers has joined an expansive group of public schools, districts and other education associations in filing a friend of the court brief in the case of County of Santa Clara v. Donald J. Trump, et al.
On Steve Zimmer’s Runoff in the LAUSD Board of Education Race
STATEMENT FROM THE CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
“Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education President Steve Zimmer came only a few percentage points shy of winning his reelection bid outright on Tuesday. With a large plurality vote, Zimmer heads into the runoff with strong support from the community, parents, teachers, support staff, and pro-public school and community school advocates.