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Public schools are the heart of our communities. They are where kids discover the joy of reading, where families come together for literacy nights and concerts, and where Friday night football turns a school into the center of town.
Public School Proud is a celebration of those moments—big and small—that make our schools special. From spelling bees to science fairs, from art shows to book giveaways, we’re lifting up the joy, pride and connection that public schools bring to millions of families every day.
This campaign is about more than nostalgia. It’s about reminding people what they already know in their hearts: public schools are worth protecting and investing in. When we celebrate them, we strengthen the movement to keep them strong for the next generation.
Join us in sharing the stories, photos, and memories that make you #PublicSchoolProud.
October 3
The Boston Teachers Union gave away 40,000 free books at the Back to School Fair, sparking a love of reading across the city.
United Federation of Teachers members rallied around Dylan, a student & immigrant from Venezuela who was detained by ICE, showing the power of school communities to care and protect.
Members of the Chicago Teachers Union are creating sanctuary schools, making sure every child and family feels safe, welcome, and supported.
Thousands of books found new homes at a Reading Opens the World event hosted by the New Haven Federation of Teachers
A Pinellas County Teachers Association member spent 20 years in early childhood education building trust with children and parents makes school a place of belonging.
September 26
Students at The Sound School in New Haven, CT dive into aquaculture, agriculture, robotics & more, preparing for futures full of opportunity with support from their educators in the New Haven Federation of Teachers.
United Federation of Teachers pre-K teacher Zakkiyya Rock shares how she uses AI responsibly to support her students and keep learning at the center.
North Carolina AFT member Valencia Abbott was named the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year!
Despite funding cuts, AFT Washington members in Seattle are determined to keep students tackling disinformation through the “Co-Designing for Trust” project.—its promises and its flaws—giving students the tools to be active citizens.
Members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and AFT Pennsylvania joined with volunteers to give away 30,000 free books to kids and families thanks to our Reading Opens the World campaign.
September 19
Chicago Teachers Union members stood with families, leafleting schools across the city to make sure every parent, student, and educator knows their rights.
United Teachers of Los Angeles’ Letecia Miller turned an abandoned print shop into a thriving graphic design studio—where students are building skills and even landing jobs.
Salem Teachers Union educators are running comprehensive career and technical education programs that bridge academics with real-world skills, preparing students for college and careers.
Washington Teachers Union member Dr. Shelina Warren is teaching constitutional law truthfully—its promises and its flaws—giving students the tools to be active citizens
Students tackled LEGO challenges, brought new classrooms to life, and took home their own sets thanks to Education West Virginia and Reading Opens the World.
September 12
In New Haven, CT, students at The Sound School are scuba diving to check oysters they’ve been cultivating in the Long Island Sound
In Medina, OH, OFT member Jody Keith launched The Confetti Project—pairing 8th graders with adults to build connection through books
In Beaverton, OR, strong community support shines through—caring staff, engaged families, a supportive principal & even an emotional support dog.
In Kansas City, MO, the International Welcome Center is helping immigrant & refugee students thrive with classroom support + wraparound services
UFT Educators and PSPRs celebrated workers at the New York City Labor Day parade.
September 5
Free books for families from the Toledo Federation of Teachers at the annual Labor Day parade thanks to our Reading Opens the World campaign
In Philadelphia, PA, Savannah—a student at Murrell Dobbins CTE High School—told Gov. Shapiro, Randi Weingarten & others how career & technical education changed her life and opened doors to opportunity. #CTEworks
In New Lexington, OH, students get real-world learning every day—from farming potatoes to drawing blood in phlebotomy labs—thanks to their district’s investment in CTE pathways.
Students at Woodruff Career & Technical Center in Peoria, IL explore careers through internships in construction, healthcare, renewable energy, coding, cosmetology, culinary arts & more. Real skills for real futures.
Rio Rancho, NM opened RioTECH, a new career & technical high school in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College.
August 29
In Los Angeles, United Teachers of Los Angeles members made sure students felt welcome as they started the new school year.
After fire damage destroyed half of Elk Valley Elementary’s library, AFT’s Reading Opens the World donated $20K to rebuild, giving kids an even bigger collection of their favorite books and a back-to-school night full of hugs.
Students in Ithaca, NY are getting hands-on learning through the Farm-to-Table program.
Members of the Cleveland Teachers Union walked in the Pride parade and handed out more than 1,000 books with LGBTQIA themes and characters to families.
Students at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in D.C. used their journalism skills to win a brand-new school building.