Contact: Janet Bass
Until 7/10: 202-879-4554
AFT press office in L.A.: 213-743-6405
jbass@aft.org
www.aft.org
Updated Agenda for AFT Convention in Los Angeles- July 11-14 2014.
WASHINGTON—Public education, educators and parents have been taking it on the chin, with controversies and frustrations swirling around the Common Core State Standards, due process and tenure, the pervasive fixation on testing over teaching and learning, and whether policymakers will do what’s needed to achieve equity and excellence in public education.
Fighting back and fighting forward on these front-burner issues to reclaim the promise of America will be the focus of the American Federation of Teachers convention July 11-14 in Los Angeles.
The more than 3,500 delegates at the Los Angeles Convention Center will debate and vote on policymaking resolutions, including a full hour allocated to discussing the Common Core State Standards. There will be breaking news on the AFT’s organizing, political and educational efforts. Also, two press conferences are scheduled, one with AFT President Randi Weingarten after her Friday keynote address and another on Monday with teachers and community leaders discussing how due process “had their backs” when they took risks with lessons or spoke out about lack of supports or resources.
All general sessions, including speeches and business discussions, will be live streamed at www.aft.org/convention/live.cfm
Media attending the convention should first come to the AFT’s press office in West Hall A of the Los Angeles Convention Center to pick up credentials and other materials.
Agenda highlights (Times are local for Los Angeles)
Thursday, July 10 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.—Distribution of First Book books, groceries for families in need
All Peoples Community Center, 822 E. 20th St., Los Angeles
Friday, July 11 9:30 a.m.—Opening session
Speakers include the Rev. William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP and architect of the Moral Monday
Movement in North Carolina; California Gov. Jerry Brown; and AFT President Randi Weingarten, who will give
the keynote address.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.—Press availability with President Weingarten
West Hall (on side of convention center), Room 504
Saturday, July 12 9:30 a.m.—General session
Speakers include Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; California State School Superintendent Tom Torlakson; Mississippi
Freedom Summer activist Mark Levy; Chicago student Asean Johnson; and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
Business session.
2:30 p.m.—General session
Speakers include actor Cynthia Nixon and Christine Marinoni, special adviser for community partnerships for New York
City public schools; and Dr. Irwin Redlener, co-founder and president of the Children’s Health Fund.
Discussion about the Reconnecting McDowell partnership in West Virginia.
Business session.
6 p.m.—Rally at Staples Center Plaza to join with California postal workers protesting Staples’ plan to use store employees to staff U.S. Postal Service counters at Staples stores.
Sunday, July 13 10 a.m.—General session
Greetings from Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.).
Discussion about Share My Lesson, the AFT’s digital collection of lesson plans, and the AFT’s partnership with First Book.
Business session: Featuring education issues.
2 p.m.—General session
Speakers include Sean McGarvey, president of the North America’s Building Trades Unions; Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.); and
Montserrat and Julieta Garibay, immigration rights activists.
Business session.
Monday, July 14 9 a.m.—General session
Election results announced for AFT officer positions.
10 a.m. —Press conference on due process with teachers and community leaders
West Hall (on side of convention center), Room 504