The American Teacher is
available in PDF format.

Download American Teacher
September 2008 (3 MB)

Or link to each individual article below

Feature:
Leading the charge
Convention '08
Ten new Executive Council Members
New AFT president vows to fight for national reform agenda
Delegates back dues increase
Q&A with the new AFT president, Randi Weingarten

Where We Stand
Answering the challenge

Teacher slides into home, thanks to AFT+
Chicago math teacher Fenesha Hubbard benefits from the union mortgage program.

AFT ad help parents help their kids
The union has created back-to-school ads that are appearing in popular magazines.

Extreme Makeover
First-grade teacher Sarah Holloway has the classroom of her dreams.

Speak Out
Should schools share student health and safety data with colleges?
NO: It's at odds with law and common sense
by Trudy Hilty
YES: It might avert future tragedies
by Cindy Huffman

Tools for Teachers
What is this thing called RTI?
Process is a response to "over-referral" of students into special education

Understanding National Board Certification
New AFT-NEA guide helps members navigate the process

AFT Web site by teachers for teachers
"Tools for Teachers" Web site (formerly called t-source) is aimed at assisting novice teachers and other educators with some of the most fundamental challenges.

State Lines
CA; MO; NJ

Teachers' Lounge
Out of Sight; A Ticket to Ride; It's on The Cards; and Disappearing Act

Class Notes
The preparation gap for first-year teachers
New teachers not prepared for diverse classrooms and special needs students

Open door policy
Community schools bring services for children, families and neighbors under one roof

AFT Voices
What kinds of expanded services and programs would make your school a community hub for students, parents and families?

Early Childhood Education
Applied knowledge: Tool kit makes early learning fun and rewarding
School-based programs shine in new early childhood study

Members bring teachers' voice to charter school conference
Union delegation among the largest teacher groups at national gathering

Building bridges with brushes
A New Orleans charter school got the brush from AFT members this summer—and the folks at McDonough 42 Charter Elementary School couldn't be happier about it.

Lifetimes
Returning the favor: Local organization honors school nurses
Building on a legacy of activism: Retirees continue to make invaluable contributions
Resolutions to recruit, retain and protect union retirees

Off to a fresh start
Union festival features fun and a health fair for the entire community

Keeping the faith with our schools
Religious leaders and AFT share common ground

Your Money
Some days you eat the bear ... some days the bear eats you
(This link takes you to the extended online version.)

Newsmakers
Gina Hart: Honoring one of Philly's finest
Sally Broughton: Students changing their community one public policy at a time

A new slant on professional development
Lesson study model originated in Japan

Cracking the glass ceiling
Lilly Ledbetter: 2008 AFT Women's Rights Award recipient

Where To Find It
Excellent by design
Lights ... camera ... teach!
Babar: The early years
Co₂ Cartography
Impulsive learners
Hotterchalk debut
Financial savvy
Just for graphs
A very good yearbook
Home is where the help is

Convention delegates back Obama
Where They Stand
(This link will take you to AFT's Campaign 08 area which is for AFT members only and requires registration.)