Texas Teachers react to Vice President Kamala Harris’ teachers union speech in Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KBTX) – Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union on the final day of its convention in Houston.
Vice President Harris’ speech included themes of her own public school upbringing, the role of educators, healthcare, and the importance of unions.
“Today we face a choice between two very different visions for our Nation, one focused on the future and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future,” said Vice President Harris. “We are not going back, we are moving forward.”
‘We are not going back, we are moving forward:’ Vice President Kamala Harris addresses teachers union in Houston
About a thousand attendees were present for the speech at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
McAllen, Texas teacher, Veronica Guerrero, was in attendance and said she was hopeful the vice president’s forward-thinking message would make changes in the public education system.
“Vice President Harris had a very inspirational speech today. She spoke on education and the importance of not having vouchers, [siphon] money out of public education,” Guerrero listed.
“What we heard today is just so reassuring and I feel great,” McAllen ISD Teacher Sylvia Tenguma said following the speech. “It makes me have faith back in our educational system.”
Brownsville ISD teacher Beatriz Maldonado said Vice President Harris’ speech was ‘inspirational.’
“She touched upon a lot of topics that teachers deal with and a lot of topics that public servants deal with, health workers deal with, and hopefully she will help us keep fighting for our rights,” Maldonado said.
The AFT became the first union to endorse Vice President Harris as the democratic nominee for in the presidential race after President Joe Biden ended his campaign.
