The American Teacher is now available in PDF format. Download American Teacher March 2008 (2.7 MB)  Or link to each individual article below

Cover Story
Standardized Spring; Standards still a weak link

More educators are speaking out against an academic calendar crowded with tests, and the AFT is responding at every union level. 

Where We Stand
Remedy for a faltering economy—vote!

Speak Out
Should we pay students for good test scores?
Jackie Bennet: NO--Test fixation isn't worth a dime
Dolores Arnold: YES--Money doesn't just talk, it works

Weigh In!

AFT Voices

Tools for Teachers
Advance work for special education meetings pays off
Terms to Know

First Person
Lending a hand in New Orleans

Amy Muir and Annette Efta, special education teachers at Lockwood Primary School in Billings, Mont., were among the union members who volunterred to help rebuild in New Orleans last summer. Members of the Lockwood Education Association/MEA-MFT, they share their thoughts on the experience. 

Women's History Month: Great women at the heart of AFT History
Margaret Haley, Jane Addams led early union into the national labor movement

Teachers' Lounge (Please scroll down)
Latin lovers; Listen up!; Patrons of the Arts; It's as easy as ABC

Class Notes
'Quality Counts' points to weaknesses in recruitment and retention

State Lines
FL, LA, WV

Taxing Concerns (Please scroll down)
Subprimal scream
By Ed Muir

Newsmakers

Motivated by his students and his past
For one teacher (Joshua Hall), giving back meant going back

The small moments can make a difference
Candidate for teacher of the year (Lewis Chappelear) emphasizes learning outside the classroom

In historic vote, 21,000 Oregon school workers affiliate with the AFT

AFT president and secretary-treasurer announce plans to retire (Please scroll down)

Contract win highlights core teacher issues (Please scroll down 

Building union-district bridges in tough NCLB terrain

Here's how your AFT dues are spent
(Please scroll down)

Social Security changes needed, AFT leader testifies
Provisions that reduce benefits "unfair and Unjust" Bush glosses over NCLB problems, AFT charges
President's State of the Union turns blind eye to law's shortcomings

Thousands more say, 'I want to join!" (Please scroll down)
Unions add 311,000 in 2007

Helping schools and staff in New Orleans
Jackie Ervolina of New York City and Rachel Martinez of Santa Cruz, Calif., visit schools hard-hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Your Money (publication edition)
Don't just do something ... sit there

Your Money (expanded online edition)
Don't just do something ... sit there

Lifetimes
For one active retiree, organizing is eternal

When Rich Miller retired to Nevada five years ago, he became a missionary of sorts. His mission: to persuade other retirees in his new home state to actively engage in the political and legislative issues that affect seniors.

Where to find it
Can-do children; Take it for granted; The red state; Themes that last; Designing kids; Good form; Virtual living; Of special note

Campaign 08: Hillary Clinton
(This section is in our Campaign '08 area, which is for members only.)