Texas AFT

Texas Federation of Teachers (TFT), chartered in 1974, is the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, representing approximately 46,000 members organized across 25 locals, five organizing committees, and specialized Professional Educator Group projects spanning 798 school districts and 20 institutions of higher education th... roughout Texas. TFT serves teachers, educational workers, and support staff who have united to advocate for education at the community, state, and national levels. The organization's core mission centers on advancing the professional dignity and economic security of educators by securing competitive salaries, safe working conditions, and the right to collective bargainingrights TFT views as fundamental civil liberties that extend fully into the workplace. TFT operates as a unified voice for its membership, working collaboratively with parents, taxpayers, and community stakeholders invested in strengthening Texas public schools and ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students. The organization recognizes that front-line professional educators must hold central positions in educational decision-making and policy formulation, and pursues this objective primarily through collectively bargained contracts that establish enforceable standards across school districts and higher education institutions. TFT's strategic approach combines grassroots member organizing with advocacy at multiple governance levels, leveraging its substantial membership base and network of staff resources to influence education policy, labor standards, and school funding priorities across the state. By positioning educators as essential stakeholders rather than subordinate employees, TFT works to ensure that teacher voice, expertise, and professional judgment shape all programs and decisions affecting students, thereby linking educator welfare directly to educational quality and student outcomes throughout Texas.Read More