Albert Shanker

Albert Shanker
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Name	Albert Shanker
Birth date	September 14, 1928
Birth place	Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States
Death date	February 22, 1997
Death place	New York City, New York, United States
Occupation	Labor union leader, Educator

Albert Shanker was a prominent American Labor union leader and Educator who played a crucial role in shaping the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Shanker's leadership and vision helped to establish the UFT as a major force in New York City's Education system, and his presidency of the AFT had a significant impact on National Education Association (NEA) and American Labor Movement. Shanker's work was influenced by notable figures such as John Dewey, Sidney Hook, and Bayard Rustin, and he was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and the Labor Movement. Shanker's legacy continues to be felt in the work of organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

● Early Life and Education

Shanker was born in Manhattan, New York City, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He grew up in a Bronx neighborhood and attended DeWitt Clinton High School, where he developed an interest in Politics and Social justice. Shanker went on to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in English literature and became involved in the American Student Union and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Shanker's early life and education were shaped by his experiences at City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a master's degree in Education and became acquainted with the work of John Dewey and Sidney Hook. Shanker's education was also influenced by his involvement with the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), which later merged to form the AFL-CIO.

● Career

Shanker began his career as a High school teacher in New York City, where he became involved in the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and quickly rose through the ranks to become a leader in the organization. Shanker's work with the UFT was influenced by his relationships with notable figures such as David Dubinsky, Walter Reuther, and A. Philip Randolph. Shanker played a key role in the 1968 New York City teachers' strike, which helped to establish the UFT as a major force in New York City's Education system. Shanker's career was also shaped by his involvement with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Shanker's work was recognized by organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

● Presidency of

the AFT Shanker became the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in 1974 and served in that position until his death in 1997. During his presidency, Shanker worked to expand the AFT's membership and influence, and he played a key role in shaping the organization's policies on issues such as Teacher evaluation, Merit pay, and School choice. Shanker's leadership was influenced by his relationships with notable figures such as Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, and Lane Kirkland. Shanker's presidency was also marked by his involvement in notable events such as the 1980 Democratic National Convention, the 1984 Democratic National Convention, and the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Shanker's work with the AFT was recognized by organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA), the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

● Legacy

Shanker's legacy continues to be felt in the world of Education and Labor relations. He is remembered as a champion of Teachers' rights and a strong advocate for Public education. Shanker's work has been recognized by organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Shanker's legacy is also reflected in the work of notable figures such as Diane Ravitch, Linda Darling-Hammond, and Randi Weingarten. Shanker's contributions to the field of Education have been recognized through awards such as the National Medal of Freedom, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Spingarn Medal. Shanker's legacy continues to be felt in the work of organizations such as the Albert Shanker Institute, the American Institute for Research (AIR), and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

● Personal Life

Shanker was married to Edith Shanker and had two children, Adam Shanker and Jennie Shanker. Shanker's personal life was marked by his commitment to Social justice and his involvement in various Civil rights and Labor rights organizations. Shanker's relationships with notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Cesar Chavez reflect his deep commitment to Human rights and Social justice. Shanker's personal life was also influenced by his experiences as a Jewish American and his involvement in organizations such as the American Jewish Congress (AJC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Shanker's legacy continues to be felt in the work of organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Category:American labor leaders