AFT-Speeches
This area of the Reuther's Web site currently encompasses approximately 300, fully transcribed, speeches delivered between 1965 and 1996 by American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President's Charlie Cogen, David Selden and Albert Shanker. The speeches are organized chronologically by date. Please contact Dan Golodner for project details.
The Open Mind: “New News from the Top”
Address to the Commonwealth Club of California
Al Shanker notes that three years have passed since the publication of the Reagan Administration's “Nation at Risk” report which detailed the dire state of education in America at the time. Shanker lauded the report and initial steps that resulted from its publication. He asserts, however, that countless problems still exist, and progress on solving them has slowed. He argues that the business community has a vested interest in improving education and urges it to become involved.
National Evaluation Systems: “Professional Testing for Teachers”
AFT Local President's Conference
This is a presentation that Shanker talks about how to run a local union. He also touches on creating peer assistance programs which will develop positive processes for locals. which in turn will improve the image of teachers. He then opens it up for questions.