American Federation of Teachers

From Wiscopedia

1 Mission
2 Issues
3 In the News
4 Contact Information

[edit] Mission

The mission of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is to improve the lives of our members and their families, to give voice to their legitimate professional, economic and social aspirations, to strengthen the institutions in which we work, to improve the quality of the services we provide, to bring together all members to assist and support one another and to promote democracy, human rights and freedom in our union, in our nation and throughout the world.

[edit] Issues

The AFT works with a range of issues that effect teachers and the education system in America. While they are strictly a union-oriented organization, they still attempt to inform all of their members about upcoming issues in education that involve teaching styles as well as wage issues.

Publications

This is a quarterly magazine put out by the AFT to inform professional educators in the classroom. Articles for this magazine include innovations in education and new techniques for teaching a particular study. The current issue can be found here[1]

American Teacher This newspaper is designed specifically for K-12 educators. It tackles issues of labor and education reform. It also provides resources for teachers and their union representatives. The current issue can be found here.[2]

American Academic The scholarly journal released by the AFT focuses primarily on the research and education issues of higher education. They observe education reforms and concerns of teachers in universities around the country. Their current issue can be found here. [3]

AFT On Campus This is for college students who are members of AFT. Its articles are designed to focus on issues for current students that plan on teaching in the future. The current issue can be found here. [4]

PSRP Reporter This is a quarterly paper tailored for the paraprofessionals in the education system. The latest issue can be found here [5]

Public Employee Advocate This bimonthly was created for state employees that are not in the education sector but are members of AFT. The current issue can be found here. [6]

Healthwire This bimonthly focuses on health issues for nurses and other paraprofessionals in the health industry that are covered by AFT. The current issue can be found here. [7]

Salary Surveys

The AFT surveys the nation's salaries and wages for teachers as well as public employees. The current survey is for the 2005 wage report. The report shows both national levels[8], as well as a state to state report.[9] As of 2005, Wisconsin is ranked 26th in the nation for teaching wages.

Children and Families Issues

Higher Education

Labor and Worker's Rights