Teachers gather in Detroit

Thousands of teachers from across the country gathered recently in Detroit for the 40th Annual American Federation of Teachers national convention. 

As part of the convention, teachers receive training to advance their professional development. The training is mandated by law but the time needed to fulfill the requirement is negotiated by collective bargaining agreements.

“Collective bargaining allows for us to advocate for more relevant training and for higher standards for those entering our profession,” says Lincoln Stocks, an East Detroit social studies and history teacher. "I am able to keep up with the current trends in education and offer my students the latest learning techniques when my collective bargaining rights are respected.”

Research shows that having a strong, experienced teacher can have a measurable impact on student achievement, and that ongoing training pays big dividends for students and communities.  For more information, visit our Fact Page.