American Federation of Teachers

Definition

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a national labor union representing teachers and other education professionals in the United States. Founded in 1916, the AFT advocates for quality education, fair wages, and improved working conditions for its members while also focusing on the broader issues affecting public education policy across the country.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFT represents over 1.7 million members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff in K-12 schools, higher education, and healthcare.
2. The union plays a critical role in advocating for educational reforms such as smaller class sizes, increased funding for public schools, and enhanced teacher training programs.
3. AFT has been involved in various social justice movements, addressing issues such as racial equity in education and advocating for policies that support underserved communities.
4. The AFT supports the importance of standardized testing but advocates for its use as part of a broader assessment strategy rather than the sole measure of student success.
5. Through its local affiliates, AFT helps teachers negotiate contracts that secure better salaries and benefits while promoting professional development opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does the American Federation of Teachers influence educational policies at both local and national levels?
  • The American Federation of Teachers influences educational policies by lobbying for legislation that benefits public education and its professionals. At the local level, AFT affiliates negotiate contracts that address issues like pay and working conditions, while nationally, the AFT works with other organizations to advocate for reforms related to funding, curriculum standards, and teacher evaluation systems. This dual approach helps shape policies that align with their goals of improving education quality.
• Discuss the significance of collective bargaining in the context of the American Federation of Teachers' efforts to improve educators' working conditions.
  • Collective bargaining is significant for the American Federation of Teachers as it empowers educators to negotiate terms of employment collectively rather than individually. Through this process, AFT negotiates for better salaries, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of its members. This not only strengthens the bargaining position of teachers but also leads to more equitable agreements that can enhance overall job satisfaction and retention within the teaching profession.
• Evaluate the role of the American Federation of Teachers in addressing social justice issues within public education.
  • The American Federation of Teachers plays a crucial role in addressing social justice issues within public education by advocating for equitable access to quality education for all students. By engaging in campaigns focused on racial equity and supporting policies aimed at dismantling systemic barriers in education, the AFT emphasizes that social justice is integral to effective teaching and learning. The union's commitment to these issues not only influences educational policy but also promotes awareness among educators about the broader societal factors impacting student success.

Related terms

National Education Association: The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest professional organization and labor union representing educators in the U.S., often collaborating with the AFT on educational advocacy.

Collective Bargaining: Collective bargaining is the process by which unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Education Policy: Education policy refers to the decisions and laws that govern the education system, impacting curriculum, funding, and school governance.