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Dear Dr. Blilie,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and for your passionate advocacy on behalf of our educators and students. We deeply value the voices of our community allies and appreciate your support in amplifying the challenges our members face.

Your experience growing up in a strong union household, with the UAW and the American Federation of Teachers, offers a meaningful perspective. Those organizations have long and proud histories of labor activism, and their methods have yielded significant results. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that every labor union develops its own strategies, ones that align with its specific culture, goals, and the needs of its members.

At the AEA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and interests of our members. While our work may not always be publicly visible, it is intentional. We conduct much of our advocacy and negotiation internally, focusing on approaches that we believe achieve efficient, effective, and lasting outcomes. This preference for discretion should not be mistaken for inaction.

We understand how the absence of a public-facing campaign may lead to misconceptions about our efforts. Please know that much of the work we do happens behind the scenes, through persistent dialogue, strategic planning, and thoughtful advocacy on behalf of both our members and the students we serve.

We sincerely thank you and all community members who continue to stand up for educators. Your involvement and concern are essential, and we share the same ultimate goal: ensuring our teachers are supported, respected, and treated fairly, because when our educators thrive, our students thrive as well. Supporting teachers is, fundamentally, an investment in educational quality and brighter futures for all children.

In Solidarity,

Tom Compton

President,

Austin Education Association