Watch Kamala Harris praise power of educators in speech to teachers union

On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the keynote address at the American Federation of Teachers’ National Convention in Houston. The AFT, the second-largest teachers’ union in the country, endorsed Harris on Monday, one day after President Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek reelection. And Harris’ ovation at the convention was overwhelming.

Harris reminded the crowd that she is a child of public education and that her personal connection to that education formed who she is today. She told a story of her first grade teacher’s impact on her life. It was an eloquent, and moving, and direct acceptance of the AFT’s endorsement.

As you may know, I am a proud product of public education. Many of you know that my first grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Wilson, God rest her soul, taught me and educated me and encouraged me and inspired me. And years later, when I walked across the stage to receive my law school diploma, Mrs. Francis Wilson was in the audience.

And that's who you are. I know who you are. I know who you are. This work is personal, and it is professional, and it is so critically important. And so it is because of Mrs. Wilson and so many teachers like her that I stand before you as vice president of the United States of America.  

And that I am running to become president of the United States of America.

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