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American Federation of Teachers
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Quick Facts
Date:
1916 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
education
teaching
Related People:
Albert Shanker
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American Federation of Teachers

United States trade union
Also known as: AFT
Written and fact-checked by
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Last updated
ā€¢History

American Federation of Teachers (AFT), U.S. trade union for classroom educators, school personnel, and public employees. It was formed in 1916 as an affiliate of the American Federation of Labor (see AFLā€“CIO). Through collective bargaining and teachersā€™ strikes, it has obtained for its members better wages, pensions, sick leaves, academic freedom, and other benefits. Under the leadership of Albert Shanker (1928ā€“97; pres. 1974ā€“97), it instituted national certification tests and other reforms. See also National Education Association.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeannette L. Nolen.