Member Engagement

Our union was founded 100 years ago to establish a voice for teachers as workers so they could combat factory-like conditions in our schools, advocate for fair pay and better working conditions, and stand up for greater autonomy as professionals and advocates for their students. From our very beginning, our union has stood on the side of social justice.

Today, 1.7 million members strong, the American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.

Here, we are proud to share profiles of some of our members, shining a spotlight on the work they do, not only in their workplaces and communities, but the contributions they make as union members and activists.

Read the AFT's resolution on member engagement.