American Federation of Teachers

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is the second-largest teachers' union in the United States, representing approximately 1.5 million members. Founded in Chicago, Illinois, on April 15, 1916, the AFT was established to improve working conditions and wages for educators[1][2].

History

The AFT was chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on May 9, 1916. Initially, the union faced significant opposition from school boards and politicians, leading to a decline in membership to about 7,000 by 1930. However, membership increased during the Great Depression, reaching 33,000 by 1939[1][4]. The 1940s saw the union ejecting several communist-dominated locals under pressure from the AFL[1]. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the AFT became a major force in teacher strikes and collective bargaining across the United States[1][2].

Membership and Structure

The AFT's membership includes not only teachers but also paraprofessionals, school-related personnel, higher education faculty and staff, and healthcare professionals. The union is structured through local and state organizations, with many members affiliated through these entities[1][5].

Activities and Advocacy

The AFT is known for its advocacy on various fronts, including education policy, collective bargaining, and civil rights. It was among the first unions to promote equal opportunities for African-American teachers and students, supporting landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education in 1954[1]. The union also actively supported the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963[1].

In recent years, the AFT has been a vocal opponent of active shooter drills in schools and has advocated for comprehensive reforms in education policy[1]. The AFT partners with other organizations to advance educational initiatives, such as the curriculum-sharing platform Share My Lesson[1].

Leadership and Politics

Notable leaders of the AFT include Albert Shanker, who was instrumental in shaping the union's policy during his presidency from 1974 to 1997. Randi Weingarten has been leading the union since 2008, focusing on defending teacher tenure and opposing charter school expansions[2][4].

The AFT is actively involved in political activities, particularly supporting Democratic candidates and advocating for liberal policies in education[2]. The union plays a significant role in shaping education policy at both federal and state levels.

Higher Education

The AFT has been instrumental in organizing higher education faculty and staff, advocating for collective bargaining rights across U.S. colleges and universities. It led significant strikes and walkouts during the 1960s and 1970s, securing key victories for academic workers[3].

Today, the AFT represents over 200,000 members in higher education, spanning from community colleges to research universities. It continues to advocate for better working conditions and professionalization in academia[3].