The Schenectady City School District welcomed a special guest Wednesday. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten visited with students, teachers and administrators at the high school as part of a nationwide tour.
“There have been a lot of challenges in Schenectady,” Weingarten told reporters.
She said most of the challenges are in sync with the dozens of other schools she’s visited.
What You Need To Know
- American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten is visiting schools across the country
- Weingarten came to Schenectady High School and Hamilton Elementary School Wednesday
- The AFT president said most schools face similar challenges, including staff shortages
“The through line has been educators,” she said. “Every single day, they are meeting the needs of kids.”
COVID-19-related restrictions in schools have created controversy and tension across the country.
“I understand the frustrations of parents,” Weingarten said. “But we have to work together.”
The AFT leader said it’s important school leaders do everything they can to fulfill their mission to educate, preferably in the classroom.
“Our schools are safe,” she said. “We have the mitigations the public health officials tell us will keep us safe.”
Weingarten also visited Hamilton Elementary School. Teachers said they were appreciative of the opportunity to showcase how they’ve adapted, and continue to adapt.
“I think we are delivering our best work,” Schenectady Federation of Teachers President Juliet Benaquisto said. “It looks very different. But nobody has ever been more committed to our kids.”
