American Federation of Teachers

American Federation of Teachers
American Federation of Teachers · Public domain · source
Name	American Federation of Teachers
Formation	1916
Type	Labor union
Purpose	To promote and protect the rights of teachers and education workers
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Location	United States
Region served	United States
Membership	Over 1.7 million
Leader title	President
Leader name	Randi Weingarten

American Federation of Teachers

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a labor union that has played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement, advocating for the rights of teachers, education workers, and students. Founded in 1916, the AFT has a long history of promoting social justice and equity in education, and has been involved in various civil rights activism and labor rights movements. The AFT's commitment to justice and equity has made it a key player in shaping the education landscape in the United States, with notable figures such as Albert Shanker and John Dewey contributing to its mission. As a major labor union, the AFT has worked closely with other civil rights organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

● History and Founding

The American Federation of Teachers was founded in 1916 by a group of teachers who were dissatisfied with the working conditions and lack of representation in the education sector. The AFT's early years were marked by struggles to establish itself as a legitimate labor union, with many teachers facing opposition from school administrators and government officials. Despite these challenges, the AFT persevered and grew in membership, with notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt supporting its cause. The AFT's founding was also influenced by the Progressive Education movement, which emphasized the importance of student-centered learning and social justice in education. As the AFT grew, it became a key player in the American Labor Movement, working closely with other labor unions such as the AFL-CIO and the National Education Association (NEA).

● Civil Rights Activism and Involvement

The American Federation of Teachers has a long history of civil rights activism and involvement, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. The AFT was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and many of its members participated in civil rights marches and protests, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The AFT also worked closely with civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and provided financial and logistical support to civil rights organizations such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). The AFT's civil rights activism was not limited to the 1960s, as it continued to advocate for social justice and equity in education throughout the 1970s and 1980s, working with organizations such as the National Council of La Raza and the Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

● Labor Rights and Social Justice Advocacy

The American Federation of Teachers is a strong advocate for labor rights and social justice, and has been involved in various campaigns and protests to promote the rights of teachers and education workers. The AFT has worked to improve working conditions, increase funding for public education, and promote diversity and inclusion in the education sector. The AFT has also been a strong supporter of collective bargaining and workers' rights, and has worked closely with other labor unions to promote social justice and equity in the workplace. Notable campaigns and protests include the Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2012, which was supported by the AFT, and the Red for Ed movement, which aimed to increase funding for public education and improve working conditions for teachers. The AFT has also worked with organizations such as the Economic Policy Institute and the Center for American Progress to promote social justice and equity in education.

● Notable Figures and Leadership

The American Federation of Teachers has had several notable figures and leaders throughout its history, including Albert Shanker, who served as president of the AFT from 1974 to 1997, and John Dewey, who was a key figure in the Progressive Education movement. Other notable figures include Randi Weingarten, who has served as president of the AFT since 2008, and Sandra Feldman, who served as president of the AFT from 1997 to 2004. The AFT has also had several notable members, including Jonathan Kozol, who has written extensively on issues of social justice and equity in education, and Diane Ravitch, who has been a vocal critic of education reform and a strong advocate for public education. The AFT's leadership has also included notable figures such as Linda Darling-Hammond and Pedro Noguera, who have worked to promote social justice and equity in education.

● Impact on Education and Equity

The American Federation of Teachers has had a significant impact on education and equity in the United States, advocating for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity in education. The AFT has worked to improve funding for public education, increase diversity and inclusion in the education sector, and promote community schools and wraparound services that support the needs of students and families. The AFT has also been a strong supporter of bilingual education and multicultural education, and has worked to promote the rights of English language learners and students with disabilities. The AFT's commitment to social justice and equity has made it a key player in shaping the education landscape in the United States, with notable initiatives such as the AFT's Quality Education Agenda and the AFT's Reclaiming the Promise of Public Education campaign.

● Major Campaigns and Protests

The American Federation of Teachers has been involved in several major campaigns and protests throughout its history, including the 1968 New York City teachers' strike, which was led by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), a local affiliate of the AFT. The AFT has also been involved in campaigns to promote school desegregation and busing, and has worked to oppose vouchers and charter schools that undermine public education. The AFT has also been a strong supporter of immigrant rights and Dreamers, and has worked to promote the rights of undocumented students and refugee students. Notable campaigns and protests include the AFT's 2018 national convention, which featured a keynote address by Bernie Sanders, and the AFT's 2020 national convention, which featured a keynote address by Elizabeth Warren.

● Relationship with Other Civil Rights Organizations

The American Federation of Teachers has a strong relationship with other civil rights organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). The AFT has worked closely with these organizations to promote social justice and equity in education, and has provided financial and logistical support to civil rights campaigns and protests. The AFT has also worked with other labor unions, including the AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), to promote workers' rights and social justice in the workplace. The AFT's relationship with other civil rights organizations has been marked by a commitment to solidarity and collective action, with a focus on promoting social justice and equity in education and beyond. The AFT has also worked with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Education Association (NEA) to promote social justice and equity in education.