Joshua A. Strong

Joshua A. Strong

Location:  Fondren, Jackson, Mississippi

Current Roles:  
Executive Vice President, Jackson Federation of Teachers, P&SRP
Secretary, Central Mississippi Central Labor Council (CLC)

Biography:
Joshua began his union journey in 2001 when he joined the Jackson Federation of Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and School-Related Personnel (JFTPSRP, an AFT affiliate).  He readily admits that he wasn’t the most active union member for a number of years, but eventually he stepped up and served as the secretary for the JFT&SRP board from 2020-2023.  He became the executive vice president of the local in 2023.

Joshua understands the vital role unions play in Mississippi public schools.  “Although the teacher’s union presence and power is stymied by the heavy hand of the state government, our union continues to drive education in the Jackson area.  The union has rich institutional knowledge that isn’t being passed on by employers, as well as access to professional development that isn’t tied to marketing strategies and district plans that were developed without input from teachers and other school personnel,” he says.  “These things give union members an advantage, and help create long-term school district employees.”

Philosophy:
Joshua believes that education is the cornerstone of the union movement in Mississippi.  “Far too often, what the average worker [in Mississippi] knows about unions are management’s arguments against the union.  With education and training, we can help workers to understand what unions do, and how they really do help the ‘little man.’”