American Federation of Teachers

American Federation of Teachers
Name	American Federation of Teachers
Founded	15 April 1916
Location	Washington, D.C., United States
Members	~1.7 million
Affiliation	AFL–CIO
President	Randi Weingarten
Website	aft.org

American Federation of Teachers. The American Federation of Teachers is a major labor union representing professionals in education, healthcare, and public service across the United States. Founded in the early 20th century, it is affiliated with the AFL–CIO and advocates for its members' economic interests, professional standards, and public education policies. The union engages in extensive political lobbying, collective bargaining, and public advocacy, often aligning with the Democratic Party.

History

The organization was established on April 15, 1916, in Chicago, with early locals forming in cities like Chicago and New York City. Its first president was Charles B. Stillman, and early efforts focused on securing tenure protections and fighting against political patronage in school systems. The union grew significantly following the passage of the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which facilitated organizing. Key historical moments include its merger with the National Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals in 1978 and its pivotal role in the Ocean Hill–Brownsville strike of 1968. Throughout the late 20th century, it was involved in debates over school vouchers, standardized testing, and the No Child Left Behind Act.

Organization and governance

The union's headquarters are located in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in major cities nationwide. Its supreme governing body is the biennial convention, which sets policy and elects top officers, including the president and secretary-treasurer. Between conventions, authority rests with the Executive Council, composed of the president, secretary-treasurer, and numerous vice presidents representing various constituencies. The organization is structured into numerous state federations and local affiliates, which retain significant autonomy over contract negotiations and local political activities. Major internal bodies include the Program and Policy Council and various committees focused on issues like pensions and professional development.

Political activities and positions

The union is one of the most politically active organizations in the United States, operating a large political action committee known as AFT COPE. It consistently endorses candidates from the Democratic Party, including presidential nominees like Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. Key policy positions include opposition to school privatization efforts such as vouchers and charter schools, advocacy for increased funding for Title I programs, and support for the DREAM Act. The union lobbies extensively on Capitol Hill and has filed amicus briefs in landmark Supreme Court cases like Janus v. AFSCME. It also organizes major rallies, such as the March for Public Education in 2018.

Affiliates and membership

Membership encompasses approximately 1.7 million individuals, primarily K–12 teachers, higher education faculty, school nurses, paraprofessionals, and government employees. Notable state-level affiliates include the United Teachers Los Angeles and the New York State United Teachers. The union also includes specialized divisions like the AFT Healthcare and the AFT Public Employees. It maintains a close partnership with its larger counterpart, the National Education Association, through the joint NEAFT Partnership. Membership has faced challenges from right-to-work laws and the Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME.

Leadership

The current president is Randi Weingarten, first elected in 2008 and previously president of the United Federation of Teachers. Other notable past presidents include Albert Shanker, a prominent figure during the Cold War who served from 1974 to 1997, and Sandra Feldman. The secretary-treasurer is Fedrick Ingram. Key leadership figures often testify before Congress, serve on presidential commissions like the Commission on Presidential Scholars, and hold positions within the AFL–CIO executive council. The leadership is elected at the biennial convention and plays a decisive role in setting the union's national strategic direction.

Controversies

The organization has been involved in numerous controversies, including internal debates over its support for the Common Core State Standards Initiative and high-stakes testing. It faced significant criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding school reopening guidelines and vaccine mandates. Historical controversies include the racially charged Ocean Hill–Brownsville strike and allegations of opposing meaningful teacher accountability reforms. The union has also been scrutinized for its political spending and its stance on charter schools, with some critics, including members of the Republican Party and groups like the Heritage Foundation, accusing it of obstructing education reform.

Category:American Federation of Teachers Category:Trade unions established in 1916 Category:Education trade unions in the United States