TRNS Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner interviews Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (Courtesy Photo AFT)
(TRNS) – As a new school year begins, teachers and students face challenges throughout the nation. And while debates over due process, Common Core and teacher evaluations continue, the education system has several hurtles to leap this year, especially in low-income areas.
“Economically-depressed areas like Lowell and Lawrence, Mass., and Meridan and New Haven… Connecticut, and they are transforming their schools in really tough economic situations, starting with deep respect for teachers, deep respect for collaboration and problem-solving, helping give teachers the supports they need to do the job they need, “ Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers told TRNS Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner in a phone interview Friday.
A key challenge to reaching students is reaching their parents, said Weingarten, whose union is encouraging a series of parent-teacher weekend home visits to discuss parental opinions.
Clips: