AFS Supports Portland Teachers Strike

Portland teachers are on strike for their students after months of negotiations with Portland Public Schools. They are negotiating a contract that makes needed investments in students, educators, and the community, including wrap-around services for students; schools that are safe, well-maintained, and fully staffed; and educator resources. AFS is supporting Portland teachers by offering access to professional development workshops at the Annual Meeting and information about opportunities for meeting attendees to support and participate in the strike. 

How AFS is supporting educators

Outside of picket line hours, AFS invites PDX teachers to join the Saturday, November 4th Local Learning workshops on systemic educational transformation in conversation with Indigenous educators from Oregon and Washington followed by a deep dive into approaches to teaching with Hip Hop. 

We know that the Portland Association of Teachers demands “… modern classrooms and culturally relevant curriculum that prepares them for our increasingly diverse and interdependent world” (https://www.pdxteachers.org/). Local Learning, the AFS Education Section, and AFS leadership are poised to offer resources that teachers need at the Saturday workshop and beyond. 

8:30 am – 11:30 am Systemic Education Transformation with Indigenous Educators 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm is BYO lunch and an opportunity to meet allies at the AFS Education Section

1:15 pm –  2:15 pm Approaches to Teaching Hip Hop

All events take place in Portland Hilton – Skyline II room

Attendance free for PDX teachers. Certificate of Attendance for Professional Development will be available. 

How to get involved

The Portland Association of Teachers is preparing a sign with information for AFS members about how to support Portland teachers that will be available at the information table next to the registration desk. Attendees can also wear blue in solidarity with striking teachers.  

Join teachers on the picket line from 7:45 am-10:30 am, there will be picketing at all schools in the District where bargaining unit members work. You can join them each day they are on strike. If you attend a picket, sign in with a strike captain so your support can be tracked.

Sign the solidarity form and learn more on the https://www.pdxteachers.org/ website. Watch the CNN coverage of the strike.