DALLAS — On Tuesday, the Texas American Federation of Teachers announced a new Educator's Bill of Rights. They will bring it to the 89th legislative session in Austin in 2025.
"This Educator's Bill of Rights is actually coming from the bottom up, rather than from the top down," said Zeph Capo, President of Texas AFT.
It advocates for fair wages, citing teachers in Texas make around $9,000 less than their national peers. It also demands secure retirement for educators and affordable childcare for the teacher's children.
Texas AFT also discussed safe and secure working conditions at public schools. They included examples of working air conditioning in classrooms and schools free of gun violence.
"I'm particularly tired of losing our public school family," Capo said.
The Educator's Bill of Rights supports freedom of religion and repealing the book ban. It also includes supporting professional development for teachers too.
"That support includes funding for schools appropriately," said Rena Honea, President of Alliance/AFT.
This announcement comes as Richardson ISD voted earlier this year to close four elementary schools due to lack of funding.
In a statement, Richardson ISD said, "RISD trustees discuss and vote on legislative priorities prior to each legislative session. That has not yet occurred for the 2025 legislative session, so RISD does not yet have a position or comment on any proposal at this point."