The McAllen Federation of Teachers believes in democracy in education, and education for democracy.
The McAllen Federation of Teachers believes that an enlightened citizenry is essential to the success of democracy. Fear and bigotry flourish in the fertile soil of ignorance, and it is with fear and bigotry that dictators most often sustain their tyranny. It is axiomatic that an enlightened electorate is essential to a democratic government; it should be equally clear that an enlightened populous is a prerequisite for a democratic society.
The McAllen Federation of Teachers believes that America can only educate its students through a strong system of public schools which are funded by the public and run by the citizens through representatives who are elected democratically. We believe that those schools should offer every student an equal opportunity to learn to the best of his or her ability. We believe the only limit on educational opportunity should be the limit that an individual student places upon himself or herself. There should be no special privileges for the rich or the well-born; there should be no special burdens placed upon those born into less fortunate circumstances.
The McAllen Federation of Teachers believes that our students deserve a world-class education. The MFT stands for quality education for students, and dignity for those who provide it.
The McAllen Federation of Teachers believes that the vision described above can best be achieved by the organization of strong locals of the American Federation of Teachers, affiliated with the AFL-CIO. To that end, the McAllen Federation of Teachers will strive to be a local. The McAllen Federation of Teachers with the assistance of The Texas Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers will develop and obtain, through collectively bargained contracts, all the rights and benefits to which educational employees should be entitled.
We will work to raise the standards of all the professions employed in the schools, and to secure for those employees the conditions essential to the best professional service. The McAllen Federation of Teachers will work to initiate, support, and enforce state legislation to benefit all the children and school employees of the State of Texas, through a dynamic organization which builds upon the diversity of its members through a democratic governance structure.
The MFT will strive to build local organizations capable of winning collective bargaining for all members. We believe this goal will be furthered when we have a state organization in which locals are served effectively, leaders are informed, and members are involved in the organization. By supporting local efforts to create a deeper and broader understanding of collective bargaining, we will give school employees the vision and the vehicle needed to defend their rights and those of their colleagues,
To accomplish the task of organizing school employees in Texas, the MFT will position itself so that school employees, state officials and the public at large will see the McAllen Federation of Teachers as the best and most effective advocate of the public schools, public school students and public school employees.