American Federation of Teachers

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is the second-largest teachers' union in the United States, representing a diverse group of professionals including educators, healthcare workers, and government employees. Founded on April 15, 1916, in Chicago, Illinois, the AFT has a rich history of advocating for teachers' rights, academic freedom, and education reform.

History

The AFT was established during a period of significant labor movement activity. It was initially chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on May 9, 1916. The union's early years were marked by rapid growth, but faced opposition from school boards and administrators, which led to a decline in membership. However, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the AFT experienced resurgence in membership, reaching approximately 33,000 by 1939.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the AFT was notable for its anti-communist stance, ejecting several local unions suspected of communist ties. The post-war period saw significant growth, with membership increasing to over 200,000 by the end of the 1970s. Albert Shanker, who became AFT president in 1974, played a pivotal role in the union's national influence, particularly through his leadership during strikes and educational policy debates.

Structure and Membership

Today, the AFT represents nearly 1.7 million members across more than 3,000 local affiliates. Its membership includes:

• Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers and paraprofessionals
• Higher education faculty and staff
• Federal, state, and local government employees
• Nurses and other healthcare professionals

The AFT is divided into five main divisions that reflect these diverse professions. Governance of the union is overseen by elected officers, including a president, secretary-treasurer, and executive vice president, along with a 43-member executive council.

Mission and Activities

The AFT's mission focuses on improving the lives of its members, strengthening educational institutions, and promoting democracy and human rights. Key activities include:

• Advocating for better working conditions and compensation
• Supporting academic freedom and tenure
• Engaging in collective bargaining to secure favorable contracts for educators
• Lobbying for policies that benefit educators and students

Notably, the AFT has played a crucial role in resisting major educational reforms, particularly those involving teacher tenure and charter schools.

Political Involvement

The AFT is a prominent player in liberal politics and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The union and its leadership, including President Randi Weingarten, are closely linked to Democratic Party politics. The AFT and its associated committees have contributed significantly to Democratic candidates and causes.

Leadership

Randi Weingarten, a former president of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), has been the president of the AFT since 2008. She is known for her strong advocacy of teachers' rights and her influence on national education policy debates.

Prominent Members and Supporters

Throughout its history, the AFT has counted numerous notable individuals among its members, including John Dewey, Albert Shanker, and several Nobel laureates and political leaders.

In summary, the American Federation of Teachers is a powerful advocate for educators and public sector workers, with a legacy of defending workplace rights and promoting educational reform in the United States.