The American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, was formed nearly 100 years ago by a group of teachers who saw teaching as an honored profession that needed organization and power. Today, with more than 1.4 million members, the AFT is responsible for creating and administering professional development opportunities; developing and implementing classroom and school improvements; boosting teacher quality; generating higher standards and better assessments; and widening its ranks to include paraprofessionals and school-related personnel, early childhood educators, school nurses and more.

Throughout this century, the AFT has been a major force for preserving and strengthening America’s democratic commitment to public education and public service. Desegregating public schools, passing the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act, establishing collective bargaining for teachers and other public employees, and addressing the needs of English language learners and disadvantaged children are just a few of the causes the AFT has championed.