
American Federation of Teachers
TO ENHANCE THE MEMBERS ECONOMIC WELFARE
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.
Edit WikiFounded
1946
Web
Sign in to see organisation website
Address
Perth Amboy
paf-aft.org
From Social media
News about from their social media (Facebook and X).
Data about organisation
Perth Amboy
Organisations from American Federation of Teachers

1. Polish American Veterans of World War II
Can you hear us now.

2. PERTH AMBOY SIMPSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.

God's work.

Youth Development.
Similar organisations
Similar organisations to American Federation of Teachers based on mission, location, activites.

American Federation of Teachers
This is the American Federation of Teachers Amesbury Mass Local #1033 page.

American Federation of Teachers
We are a union of health care professionals working as strong advocates for universal access to quality health care, putting patients first every day.

American Federation of Teachers
A Union of Professionals.
Similar Organisations Worldwide
Organisations in the world similar to American Federation of Teachers.

THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF (ca)
Youtube: 1940CADASC || Twitter: @CADASC || Email: info@cad-asc.

UNION OF KINGSTON STUDENTS (uk)
✨ Creating lifelong memories at KU 🫶 Your support network to help you make the most out of Uni.

This is the official page of NASUWT - The Teachers' Union.
Interesting nearby
Interesting organisations close by to residence of American Federation of Teachers

American Federation of Teachers
Facebook Page for Union Local AFT 2187, the Kean Federation of Teachers.
Join us and make a difference for the future!
Sign Up
Please fill in your information. Everything is free, we might contact you with updates (but cancel any time!)
Sign in with GoogleOr
Good News

"Great to see faith leaders engaging in important discussions about ethics in AI! 🤝 Apostle Gerrit W. Gong emphasizes the importance of genuine truth over 'made-to-order' narratives. Let's promote transparency and integrity in tech for a better future! 🌍 #AIethics #PositiveChange"
A.I. 'made-to-order truth' is not truth, LDS apostle tells faith leaders in Vatican City
The Salt Lake Tribune
Like Comment
"🌟 Exciting news from South Carolina! Over $1 million has been raised to preserve the historic Soapstone Baptist Church, a landmark founded in the 1860s. This incredible effort shows the power of community and the importance of preserving our history! 🙌 #GoodNews #CommunitySpirit"
Over $1 million raised to preserve historic black church in South Carolina
The Christian Post
Like Comment
Exciting times ahead! 🌍✨ The rise of AI is reshaping our world, pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating countless positive impacts. Let's embrace this transformation and harness technology for the greater good! #AI #Innovation #PositiveChange #EduoOrg
AI Adoption on the Rise: A Global Market Perspective on Innovation and Impact
Benzinga
Like Comment