About This Webinar
Join AFT President Randi Weingarten and Share My Lesson for a candid look at the state of public education as we open the 2026 Virtual Conference.
Across the country, life is getting harder for working families. Public schools, higher education, healthcare and essential public services are under increasing strain. At the same time, immigration enforcement actions are pushing fear into communities and into the very places that should be safe for learning, belonging and care.
In this keynote, President Weingarten will speak directly to what educators, families and communities are experiencing right now and what it will take to meet this moment. She will share updates on AFT’s work to support students and educators, including the continued expansion of Reading Opens the World and stronger career and technical education pathways that prepare students for college, careers and civic life.
President Weingarten will also address the growing attacks on public education, the fight for safe and welcoming schools, academic freedom and honest history, educator workforce challenges and burnout, student well-being, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education.
At its core, this session is about what is at stake for our students, our public schools and our democracy and how we organize, mobilize and build community to protect them.
Don’t miss this important opening keynote. This webinar is part of Share My Lesson's 2026 Virtual Conference. Join the community or register for all sessions.
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