AFT logo (reads AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services)
AFT Resolution

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL FREEDOM IN THE SCHOOLS

WHEREAS, teaching is a profession involving a high degree of scholarship and skill in delivery of ideas; and

WHEREAS, the knowledge of subject matter and the means of communicating it are a requisite part of teaching; and

WHEREAS, attempts are being made in some cases by administrators to require specific methods of instruction and/or specific types of classroom planning:

RESOLVED, that the AFT supports the concept that teachers are the best judges of what methods of planning and instruction are most professionally useful; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT opposes any administrator imposed methods of planning and instruction or other rigid policies which impede teachers' rights to academic freedom; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT locals work through all means to assure the protection of academic freedom for all teachers.

(1983)

Please note that a newer resolution, or portion of a resolution, may have superseded an earlier resolution on the same subject. As a result, with the exception of resolutions adopted at our most recent AFT convention, resolutions do not necessarily reflect current AFT policies.