The history of the AFT is rich and is intertwined with the history of America. Our video documentary "AFT’s History: A Proud Tradition" illustrates the values and principles the union has stood for since its inception.

Below is a preview of AFT's proud history.  The links provided are to chapters of a recent AFT video documentary.  More chapters can be viewed by clicking here.

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Margaret Haley & Chicago Teachers
• Chapter 3: Teachers Demand Compensation
• Chapter 4: Teachers Organize in Butte, MT
• Chapter 5: AFT Fights for Equality
• Chapter 9: Brown vs. Board of Education
• Chapter 10: Freedom Schools
• Chapter 15: AFT Fights for Civil Rights
• Chapter 19: AFT Becomes a Political Force
• Chapter 25: AFT Responds to "Nation at Risk"
• Chapter 26: AFT Leads Education Issues
• Chapter 28: AFT Fights Anti-Education Forces
• Chapter 31: Looking to the Future