In Florida, the AFT, Florida Education Association and United Teachers of Dade came together for a special Reading Opens the World Halloween celebration. AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fed Ingram and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus joined union members and staff to give students free books, backpacks and candy, spreading Halloween fun and inspiring a love of reading.

In Texas, McAllen AFT educators are helping students explore their interests and prepare for future careers. At Achieve Early College High School, students can earn associate degrees while gaining hands-on experience in culinary arts, forensic science, medical assisting, EMT training and more. Culinary students are also preparing to open a café with the district's S.T.R.I.D.E.S. program, creating opportunities for students with different learning abilities to develop hospitality skills.

In New Hampshire, Hillsboro-Deering Support Staff Local 6219 brought the joy of reading to families at a community Halloween celebration. With support from the AFT, union members distributed hundreds of free books to children of all ages, giving each child the opportunity to choose two books to take home and enjoy.

In McAllen, TX, McAllen AFT educators are helping students turn their passion for aviation into career opportunities. At McAllen Flight Academy, students are learning to become pilots, drone operators and instructors, with the district funding their FAA certification exams. These hands-on programs are preparing students for careers as early as their junior year.

In Detroit, MI, the AFT and AFT Michigan are partnering with General Motors and Detroit and Dearborn public schools to bring hands-on manufacturing and technology education to 2,800 middle school students each year. The new Manufacturing Futures initiative will help students explore their interests, develop technical skills and discover pathways to high-demand careers.

In Hamburg, NY, the Frontier Central Teachers’ Association brought families together at Frontier Middle School for its annual Fall into Reading festival. The screen-free celebration put 5,000 free books into the hands of local families, with student musicians, hands-on activities and community partners helping inspire a love of reading.

In Ohio, Melissa Goodall’s students are creating projects that are literally out of this world. Through the HUNCH program, Goodall’s students are working on real projects that support the International Space Station and NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative, giving them hands-on experience in STEM and supporting scientists in space.

In Dearborn, Michigan, educators are partnering with industry giants to create new opportunities for career and technical education for middle school students. The AFT partnered with General Motors at the Michael Berry Career Center on Thursday to launch a groundbreaking “Manufacturing Futures” initiative that will prepare 2,800 Michigan middle school students each year for careers in one of the nation’s most in-demand industries.

In Carmel, New York, teachers Lashonda Bradberry & Karissa O’Reilly saw the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as an opportunity for students to get engaged in civics. In their schools, Bradberry & O’Reilly are teaching students how to think critically, to consume media responsibly, and take action to strengthen our democracy.

In Puerto Rico, the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico partnered with Crowley Corporation to bring the Ola de Libros initiative to María T. Delgado School. The partnership is helping put more books into students’ hands, encouraging a love of reading and opening doors to new opportunities for learning and discovery.

In Mississippi, AFT Mississippi educators are part of a statewide literacy success story that has taken more than 20 years to build. Through sustained investments, teacher coaching and support for students and educators, the state has transformed fourth-grade reading achievement, offering lessons for public schools across the country.

In New York, NYSUT members at 21 public schools are celebrating their recognition as National PTA Schools of Excellence. Through strong partnerships with families, these educators are helping create welcoming, supportive school communities where students can learn and thrive.

In North Dakota, North Dakota United member Brian Schneider, an agricultural mechanics teacher at Napoleon Public School, was named a Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize winner. For nearly 40 years, Schneider has helped students develop hands-on skills in welding, woodworking, mechanics and construction, preparing them for careers in the skilled trades.

In Alabama, Central Alabama AFT members and families successfully advocated for the closure of J.S. Abrams Elementary School after years of recurring mold problems. The union also helped secure a commitment to install air conditioning on every school bus in Jefferson County, making transportation safer and more comfortable for students and drivers.

In Connecticut, New Haven Federation of Teachers members are creating engaging learning environments at Career High School, where classroom libraries and media centers are bringing students together. Educators are also sharing know-your-rights resources from the New Haven Immigrants Coalition to help students and families stay informed, supported, and welcomed.

In North Carolina, American Federation of Professional Educators of North Carolina members helped distribute more than 30,000 free books and reading resources to students, families and educators at a Reading Opens the World family literacy fair. Held on the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the event helped families rebuild home libraries and educators replenish classroom collections as the community continues its recovery.

In New York, United Federation of Teachers members welcomed more than 3,000 newly hired teachers as they began their careers in the city’s public schools. New educators connected with their union and learned about the support, resources and rights available to them as they start making a difference in their students’ lives.

In Montana, Montana Federation of Public Employees member and agricultural mechanics teacher Ty Neal received a $75,000 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Through project-based learning in welding, construction, mechanics and other skilled trades, Neal helps students build the skills, confidence and work ethic they need for careers and life after high school.