On President Obama’s Online Town Hall Meeting on Economy/Education

Ten teachers and other school staff, who are members of the American Federation of Teachers, were invited to the White House to participate in today’s online Town Hall meeting.

WASHINGTON—President Obama gets it when he said teachers need more resources to do their job well and need to be involved in the decision-making about which reforms will help raise student achievement. We agree fully with the president that teachers must be involved in developing plans that evaluate teachers.  

President Obama understands the link between a strong economy and a strong education, which is why he designated an unprecedented $53.6 billion in his economic stimulus package for education. By having educators in the White House audience today during his innovative online town hall meeting, President Obama is getting the input from the very people who can help make our public schools and the economy stronger.  

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The AFT represents more than 1.4 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.