North Carolina Educators Join AFT to Strengthen Public Education

The Launch of American Federation of Professional Educators of North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C.— In a significant development for educators in North Carolina, the Professional Educators of North Carolina (PENC) has formalized an affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), announced during a signing by AFT President Randi Weingarten and PENC President Joanna Loftis. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for educators in the state, signaling a collective effort to advocate for their rights and improve educational standards.

Since its inception in 1979, PENC has served as a crucial support system for educators in North Carolina, navigating the challenges posed by strict anti-union laws. With 1,700 members, the organization has aimed to protect the interests of educators and enhance their professional lives. Now, under the new name American Federation of Professional Educators of North Carolina (AFPENC), it will operate in conjunction with the AFT, focusing on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled educators.

The partnership emphasizes a mutual commitment to fostering student success and empowering educators by ensuring their voices are heard and respected. "These North Carolina teachers have been organizing for years to strengthen public education for their students and to secure the conditions, voice and salaries they needed for themselves, and I am so proud to welcome them to the 1.8 million-strong AFT family," stated AFT President Randi Weingarten. "Thanks to Joanna’s inspiring leadership and the wisdom of PENC’s executive board, we are uniting because we know that we can achieve far more together than we ever can alone. As educators continue to confront significant headwinds both federally and in North Carolina, we need to rely on each other’s expertise and humanity to create safe and welcoming public schools where kids can have access to the engaging and relevant curriculum they need to pave a pathway to career, college and life."

PENC President Joanna Loftis remarked, "With the strength of the AFT behind us, we are embracing a larger movement that champions fairness, democracy, opportunity and high-quality public education for all. Together, we will work with every stakeholder who shares our belief that public education is the foundation of a strong and thriving North Carolina. We are proud to establish this AFT affiliate in our state and look forward to building a stronger voice for educators across North Carolina."

The AFT, representing 1.8 million members across various educational and professional fields, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, higher education faculty, government employees, nurses, and early childhood educators, welcomes this new affiliate as part of its expansive network.

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