The UALE Education Directors Meeting took place on November 15 at the AFT headquarters in Washington D.C.  Thirty-eight educators from unions and universities gathered from around the country.

The agenda focused on critical issues of importance to labor educators.  A highlight of the meeting was a video-conference with President Karen Lewis, the leader of the recent Chicago Teacher’s strike, and key members of her team.  The interactive conversation was an inspiring example of a powerful labor victory for teachers and public sector workers.

Roger Blackow presented a sharp political analysis of the recent 2012 election victories, and labor’s decisive role. Kent Wong from the UCLA Labor Center highlighted a new National Labor College certificate program to provide access to higher education for undocumented immigrant youth called “Dream University.”  Dan Katz also gave an update on the National Labor College and reported on an encouraging upswing in enrollment.  

The meeting also included a vigorous discussion with Cathy Feingold, the international director of the AFL- CIO, and plans to strengthen partnerships with UALE to develop global solidarity curriculum.  The timing of this conversation was opportune given plans for the upcoming annual UALE conference which will be held in Toronto, Canada from April 17 to 20, 2013.

See related photos here.