American Federation of Teachers

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is the second-largest teacher's labor union in the United States. Founded in Chicago in 1916, the union has a long history of advocating for teachers' rights and education policy reforms.

History

The AFT was established during the early labor movement of the 1910s, initially garnering support from eight local unions. John Dewey and Margaret Haley were among its notable founders. Charles Stillman was the first president of the AFT. By 1919, the union already had 100 local affiliates and approximately 11,000 members, comprising about 1.5% of the nation's teaching force.

During its early years, the AFT faced opposition from politicians and school boards, which led to a decline in membership by the 1930s. However, membership rebounded during the Great Depression, reaching 33,000 by 1939. The AFT also played a critical role in defending teachers' rights during the McCarthy era, supporting those accused of subversion.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the AFT became a driving force in collective bargaining for public employees. Under leaders like Albert Shanker, it influenced significant strikes and reforms in education.

Membership and Structure

Today, the AFT represents roughly 1.5 million members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, school-related personnel, higher education faculty and staff, and nurses. The union operates through local, state, and national organizations, making it a substantial player in both education and labor policy.

Activities and Advocacy

The AFT is active in various areas, including collective bargaining, education reform, and social issues related to education. It has been a vocal advocate for teacher tenure and has opposed reforms that critics argue could undermine teachers' job security.

The AFT has also supported civil rights movements, including advocating for equal pay for African-American teachers and contributing to efforts to desegregate schools. In recent years, it has taken positions on school safety, opposing active shooter drills in schools and promoting alternative safety measures.

Additionally, the AFT has been involved in initiatives like the development of Share My Lesson, a curriculum-sharing platform aimed at educators.

Higher Education

A significant portion of the AFT's work involves higher education. Faculty at institutions like Howard University were among the first to join the union, marking the beginning of AFT's involvement in higher education. Throughout the decades, the AFT has fought for collective bargaining rights for faculty and staff at public universities, contributing to the growth of unionization in this sector.

Political Influence

The AFT is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and has significant political influence, particularly within the Democratic Party. It supports candidates and policies that align with its mission, often focusing on education-related issues.

Current Leadership and Issues

As of recent years, the AFT has continued to face challenges in balancing teacher interests with broader educational reforms. The union remains a critical voice in discussions around teacher evaluations, school funding, and the role of charter schools in public education. Under the leadership of Randi Weingarten, the AFT has maintained its stance on protecting teacher rights while also engaging in debates over education quality and accountability.