Rank and File Teacher Pipeline: Engaging future educators on FIU’s Campus

• In Event: DeSantis’s Higher Education Agenda, Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), and Student Protest

Proposal

In the last few years, Florida has experienced the worst aspects of the national crisis in education, compounded by an extraordinarily reactionary state government. As union leaders struggle to respond to alarming rates of teacher attrition, exodus, and turnover, a sustained and strategic effort is coming out of rank-and-file teachers to bring about more direct and impactful change. In Fall 2023, a panel featuring members of the United Teachers of Dade will share insights on the fight for and in their union. This collaborative project started by members of Miami Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) at Florida International University (FIU), and PowerU seeks to engage future educators by acquainting them with rank-and-file teacher unionism and organizing skills. This presentation will assess the experience of this organizing effort and how it engages future educators in the struggle for quality education and academic freedom.

Author

• Felipe Barroso Ramos