On Monday, May 24th, American Federation of Teachers President (AFT) Randi Weingarten visited First Ave School as part of her nationwide tour to highlight in-person school reopening and celebrate educators for their role in the collaborative, safe, and equitable reopening of schools for in-person learning.

During Monday’s tour, Weingarten visited classrooms with American Federation Teachers New Jersey President Donna Chiera, Newark Teachers Union President John Abeigon, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León, and school principal Rosa Bronco. The group highlighted the work parents, teachers, and administrators have done to keep schools safe for in-person learning while simultaneously meeting the needs of the students in a way that allows them to recover from this past year socially, emotionally, and academically.

Additionally, Weingarten shared some of her vision for reimagining public education as the country continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AFT represents 1.7 million members across the country and champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities.