American Federation of Teachers AFT

Overview

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a prominent labor union in the United States, representing a diverse membership of education professionals, healthcare workers and public employees. Founded in 1916, the AFT has grown to become the second-largest teachers' union in the country. Its mission centers on advocating for high-quality public education, fair labor practices and social justice, aiming to improve the lives of its members and the communities they serve.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Established in Chicago in 1916 by educators John Dewey and Margaret Haley, the AFT was created to address issues such as low wages, poor working conditions and lack of professional recognition for teachers. Originally affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL), the AFT later joined the AFL–CIO, solidifying its position within the broader labor movement. Over the decades, the union has played a pivotal role in advancing collective bargaining rights, securing better compensation for educators and influencing educational policies at local, state and national levels.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The AFT is a union of professionals that champions fairness, democracy, economic opportunity and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for students, families and communities. The union is committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining, political activism and the work of its members.

Vision: The AFT envisions a society where all individuals have access to quality education and public services, where workers' rights are protected and where democratic values are upheld in all aspects of public life.

Objectives:

• Advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to quality education and public services.
• Promote fair labor practices and protect the rights of workers.
• Engage in political and community organizing to influence public policy decisions.
• Provide professional development and support to members to enhance their effectiveness in their respective fields.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The AFT operates as a democratic organization with a structure that includes local affiliates, state federations and national leadership. The union's governance is characterized by elected representatives at each level, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests and needs of its diverse membership. The AFT maintains its independence through its nonprofit status and its commitment to advocating for its members without external interference.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the AFT does not serve as an accrediting agency, it plays a significant role in the higher education sector by advocating for policies that ensure the quality and accessibility of education. The union has been active in addressing issues such as the over-reliance on part-time faculty, the erosion of tenured positions and the importance of faculty governance in maintaining academic standards. Through its resolutions and advocacy efforts, the AFT seeks to influence accreditation processes and educational policies to uphold the quality of higher education.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AFT engages in international cooperation to promote high-quality education and social justice globally. The union collaborates with international organizations and unions to address common challenges in education and labor rights. Through these partnerships, the AFT works to support educators and public employees worldwide, advocating for policies that protect workers' rights and promote quality public services.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

In the current landscape, the AFT continues to influence higher education through its advocacy for increased public funding, protection of academic freedom and support for faculty and staff rights. The union has been involved in legislative efforts to address issues such as student loan repayment plans, faculty governance and the protection of research funding. Looking forward, the AFT aims to continue its role in shaping higher education policies that ensure equitable access to quality education and fair working conditions for educators.

7. Summary

The American Federation of Teachers stands as a significant force in advocating for quality education, fair labor practices and social justice. Through its historical roots, mission-driven objectives and active engagement in governance and policy-making, the AFT has played and continues to play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape in the United States. Its commitment to its members and the communities they serve underscores its ongoing impact on public education and public services.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the AFT?
  The AFT is a labor union representing education professionals, healthcare workers and public employees in the United States, advocating for quality public services and workers' rights.
• When was the AFT founded?
  The AFT was founded in 1916 in Chicago by educators John Dewey and Margaret Haley.
• What is the AFT's mission?
  The AFT's mission is to champion fairness, democracy, economic opportunity and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for students, families and communities.
• How does the AFT influence higher education?
  The AFT influences higher education through advocacy for policies that ensure quality education, fair labor practices and the protection of faculty and staff rights.
• Is the AFT affiliated with other organizations?
  Yes, the AFT is affiliated with the AFL–CIO and collaborates with international unions and organizations to promote high-quality education and social justice globally.

Organization Name

American Federation of Teachers

Acronym

AFT

Year of Establishment

1/01/1916

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

555 New Jersey Ave., N.W.
Washington
20001 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 879 4400

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

American Federation of Teachers's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

American Federation of Teachers's X page

LinkedIn

American Federation of Teachers's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

American Federation of Teachers's YouTube channel

Instagram

American Federation of Teachers's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

American Federation of Teachers's Wikipedia article

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