The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a national labor union that represents teachers, paraprofessionals, higher-education faculty, nurses, and other public-sector employees. The organization advocates for strengthened public education, improved working conditions and compensation for education and public-service professionals, and policies promoting student supports and educational equity.
Public education funding and K–12 policy; higher education affordability; teacher recruitment, retention, compensation, and collective bargaining rights; school safety and student support services; healthcare and pension protections for public employees; early childhood education and childcare; civil rights and equity initiatives; labor law reform and political advocacy on education-related legislation.
Primarily funded by member dues and voluntary member contributions; additional revenues come from local/state affiliate dues, publications and training, investments and occasional grants; political activity funded separately through voluntary political funds and a PAC.
AFL–CIO; numerous state and local AFT affiliates including the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU); allied labor and education advocacy organizations.
Labor union (national non-profit, registered as a 501(c)(5))
