Albuquerque Teachers Federation - ATF

06/05/2026

AFT New Mexico and our partners at Protect Borrowers are launching a New Mexico Debt Survey to help inform legislative policy and other potential regulatory remedies related to various types of debt and how it impacts daily life for New Mexico workers. Please consider completing this short, anonymous survey by June 14th.

Take the survey here: https://ow.ly/BmLp50Z7mzX

06/05/2026

We're partnering with Protect Borrowers to host a Debt Clinic because more than 45 million people, including many union members and their families, are struggling with the burden of student debt.

This clinic provides information about free federal programs that may help reduce the burden of this debt, while also highlighting the role that our union can play in addressing problems both within the workplace and in our communities.

Sign up here: https://ow.ly/SAV550Z7mKK

06/05/2026

📣 CALLING ALL APS EDUCATORS 📣 Do you want to become a school counselor? This is your opportunity!
The UNM counselor Educator Program is facilitating a one-time summer application and admissions cycle.
Candidates accepted into the counselor residence program will start in the Fall of 2026 and will be eligible to enroll in COUN 545 School Counseling in July 2026.
Benefits of a School Counselor Residency Program Include:
- Structured, hands-on preparation
- Practice Experience mixed with mentorship and professional support
- Financial Support ($22K per semester of clinical training)
- Academic programming leading to degree completion and credentialing
- Higher likelihood of future employment in APS
- Making a difference for students prek-12!
APPLY NOW: https://grad.unm.edu/prospective-students/apply-now.html
MORE INFO: https://coehs.unm.edu/departments-programs/ifce/counselor-education/masters.html
(Links in bio)
Questions? Email:
UNM Fieldwork Coordinator Cortny Stark: [email protected]
or APS Senior Director of Counseling Vicki Price: [email protected]

06/05/2026

We had a blast getting our shirts and signs ready for ABQ Pride Fest 2026.

See you next weekend!

06/02/2026

ATF Calls For City Minimum Wage Increase
At last night’s city council meeting, the Albuquerque Teachers Federation joined working Burqueños speaking out in favor of an increase to the city’s minimum wage.
Addressing the council, ATF Elementary VP Sonya Romero Autrey stressed that “Stronger wages mean stronger families, stronger families mean stronger schools.”
After several amendments, the Albuquerque City Council passed a whittled-down ordinance that raises the city's minimum wage from $12 to $15 over three years with future annual adjustments tied to inflation. While we support this increase, it is nowhere near enough for low-income families to keep pace with the rising cost of living in Albuquerque. Together, working Burqueños must keep pushing for wage justice.

06/02/2026

Artificial intelligence, screens and social media are reshaping how young people learn, connect and prepare for the future. In this major address, AFT President Randi Weingarten lays out a 10-point plan for public education in the AI era—one grounded in human relationships, active learning, critical thinking and student wellbeing.

The plan calls for guardrails on AI and technology in schools while expanding hands-on, career-connected learning that prepares students for life, college, career and citizenship. As Weingarten argues, the answer to the challenges facing young people is not less human connection—but more.

Read the full speech at: aft.org/devicesdown

06/02/2026

GO VOTE!

✅🗳️📣 It's Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 7am to 7pm statewide! Visit NMVOTE.org to find your local polling site. Our union's list of primary endorsements can be found here: https://ow.ly/zBSY50YP7Sm

05/19/2026

Join Deb and the team in our goal to reach voters ahead of the Democratic Primary in June! Canvassing is the best way to ensure voters are educated about their choices in the primary. We'll start every shift with a training to make sure you have all the resources you need to be successful.

RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/debfornewmexico/event/955400/

05/19/2026

Early voting for the New Mexico Democratic Primaries is OPEN NOW - May 30th! Be sure to cast your vote for Deb Haaland for governor!

05/15/2026

🗳️ VOTE Diane Torres-Velásquez in Upcoming Democratic Primaries for HD 30
.
Our retired AFT union sister Dr. Elizabeth Diane Torres-Velásquez is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for House District 30 (Northeast Heights).
Diane is currently a member of the House Education, House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.
During the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, she supported key legislation, including Universal Child Care (SB 241), The Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9), which she also co-sponsored), Establishing a Medicaid Trust Fund (SB 88), Expanding the Prescription Drug Donation Program (SB 122), Increasing Oil & Gas Royalty Rates on State Lands (SB 23), Establishing The Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act (SB 21), Establishing Programs to Support Broadband, Water, Energy, and Wastewater Infrastructure (SB 357), Establishing Earned Income Tax Credits for Families (HB 14), and Establishing a $20M Local Solar Fund for Tribal, Rural and Low-Income Schools, Municipalities and Counties (HB 128).
ATF Unified COPE proudly endorses Dr. Elizabeth Diane Torres-Velásquez for HD 30 based on her dedication to education, her consistent work to ensure equitable access, and her record of voting for legislation that reinforces New Mexico’s hardworking families.
Early voting centers will be open Saturday, May 16 through Saturday, May 30. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless stated otherwise.
MORE INFO (Including Early Voting Site addresses): atfunion.org