Final Agenda for AFT Convention

Washington, D.C.— The American Federation of Teachers biennial convention opens Wednesday, July 14, at the Washington Convention Center. Please note that Sen. John Kerry is scheduled to speak to the more than 3,000 delegates on Friday, July 16, at 3 p.m.

Reporters covering the convention must come to the Press Office (in the rear of Hall D) to pick up credentials. This is important to gain entry to Hall E, where the convention is taking place.

Highlights – All events in Convention Center, Hall E, unless otherwise noted

Wednesday, July 14

9:30 a.m. Various greetings, then AFT President Sandra Feldman’s keynote address, followed by a tribute to her. (Feldman was elected AFT president in 1997.)

Thursday, July 15

Release of annual teacher salary survey [Embargoed until 12:01 a.m., July 15]

8 a.m. Higher Education breakfast - Convention Center, Room 146 A-B: Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., will speak on Higher Education Act’s reauthorization.

9:30 a.m. Debate and vote on constitutional amendments, including affiliate accountability changes.

12:30 p.m. Human Rights lunch – Convention Center, Room 146 A-B-C
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton receives AFT’s Bayard Rustin Award.

2:30 p.m. General session discussion will include extensive report on AFT organizing efforts.

5 p.m. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will discuss her legislation to ensure employer neutrality in organizing elections.

Friday, July 16

10 a.m. Azar Nafisi, author of best-selling novel, Reading Lolita in Tehran.

3 p.m. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Democratic candidate for president.
(The AFT Executive Council recommended Kerry’s candidacy on Feb. 4, 2004. The convention delegates will consider a resolution endorsing John Kerry on Friday.)

Saturday, July 17

9:30 a.m. AFT election results and speeches by the three new officers.

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