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AFT History - A Proud Tradition

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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 are links to each chapter of the video documentary.

A Proud Tradition DVDThe video is also part of an expanded DVD version, along with special features, historic photographs, interviews and much more. "A Proud Tradition" DVD is available for purchase at the AFT Store for $10.


Click on a button to launch a chapter of the documentary, "A Proud Tradition." Videos are Windows Media Player files.

Introduction Margaret Haley & Chicago Teachers
Teachers demand compensation Teachers organize in Butte, MT
AFT fights for equality AFT Democracy in the 30s
WW II affects the AFT Teachers Strike & Taft-Hartley Bill
Brown vs. Board of Education Freedom Schools
AFT redoubles organizing effort UFT becomes a force in NYC
Teacher power AFT becomes a voice in higher education
AFT fights for civil rights AFT represents paraprofessionals
Ocean Hill conflict Vietnam divides AFT
AFT becomes a political force Healthcare & Public Employee divisions
NYSUT merges AFT and NEA 70's crisis
Reagan anti-union policies QuEST conference begins
AFT responds to A Nation at Risk AFT leads in educational issues
Promoting democracy worldwide AFT fights anti-education forces
Failing schools and kindergarten plus AFT confronts international issues
Looking to the future Credits

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