American Federation of Teachers

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a nonprofit organization and the second-largest teachers' labor union in the United States. Its primary focus is on advancing education and the interests of educators.

History

Founded in Chicago on April 15, 1916, the AFT was initiated by a group of educators who sought to improve teachers' rights and working conditions. Notable figures such as John Dewey and Margaret Haley were involved in its founding. The union was chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on May 9, 1916.

Membership

AFT membership spans over 1.5 million individuals, including teachers, paraprofessionals, local and state government employees, higher education faculty, and healthcare professionals. The majority of its members work directly in education-related jobs.

Structure and Operations

The AFT operates through a network of local and state affiliates, which are part of the broader AFL-CIO federation. Its structure allows for collective bargaining, advocacy, and support for educational institutions across the United States.

Mission

The AFT's mission encompasses six core areas:

1. Improve the Lives of Members: Focusing on better working conditions, pay, and benefits.
2. Give Voice to Concerns: Advocating for educators on issues affecting their profession.
3. Strengthen Institutions: Enhancing the quality and operation of schools and educational institutions.
4. Improve Services: Providing better support and resources for members.
5. Bring Members Together: Encouraging solidarity and collaboration among educators.
6. Promote Democracy, Human Rights, and Freedom: Advocating for educational rights as a cornerstone of democracy.

Leadership

Notable past presidents include Albert Shanker, who served from 1974 until his death in 1997, and Sandra Feldman, who followed from 1997 to 2004. Randi Weingarten has led the organization since 2008, continuing its focus on education reform and advocacy.

Political Engagement

AFT is a significant player in U.S. politics, particularly within the Democratic Party. The union is known for its advocacy on teacher rights, education policies, and social issues. It has been involved in various national debates on education reform, charter schools, and teacher tenure.

Publications and Initiatives

Since 1977, the AFT has published American Educator, a quarterly magazine addressing education issues. In 2008, the AFT Innovation Fund was launched to support educational innovation through grants to local unions.

Legacy

The AFT has made significant contributions to U.S. education policy and labor rights, including its early support for tenure laws and collective bargaining. Through its history, the organization has navigated challenges such as communist infiltration allegations and McCarthy-era pressures, emerging as a strong advocate for educators and education reform.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Federation_of_Teachers [2] https://www.influencewatch.org/labor-union/american-federation-of-teachers/ [3] https://www.aft.org/about/history [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teachers_Union [5] https://study.com/academy/lesson/american-federation-of-teachers-aft-overview-membership-requirements-activism.html