Date of Birth: September 14, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: February 22, 1997
Biography
Albert Shanker was a prominent American educator and labor leader who played a significant role in the history of American education and labor unions. Born in the early 20th century, Shanker dedicated his life to advocating for teachers’ rights and improving the quality of education. He began his career as a high school teacher in New York City, where he quickly became involved in union activities. Shanker eventually rose to prominence as the president of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) from 1964 to 1986 and later as the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) from 1974 until his death in 1997. Shanker was known for his strong stance on issues such as educational standards, teacher professionalism, and the importance of unions in protecting educators’ rights. He was also a vocal advocate for public education and often spoke out against policies that he believed undermined the quality of schooling. Throughout his career, Shanker was a controversial figure, but his impact on American education and labor relations was undeniable.
5 Interesting Facts about Albert Shanker
1. Albert Shanker was instrumental in organizing the first teachers’ strike in New York City in 1960, which led to significant improvements in teachers’ salaries and working conditions.
2. Shanker was a pioneer in advocating for charter schools, believing that they could serve as laboratories for educational innovation.
3. He was a strong proponent of standardized testing and accountability in education, arguing that they were essential for maintaining high educational standards.
4. In 1988, Shanker became the first labor leader to be elected to the board of the National Endowment for Democracy, reflecting his commitment to democratic principles.
5. Shanker was featured in a weekly column in The New York Times from 1981 until his death, where he discussed various issues related to education and labor.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Albert Shanker
1. “When schoolchildren start paying union dues, that’s when I’ll start representing the interests of schoolchildren.”
2. “Public education is at risk. We must ensure that every child receives a quality education.”
3. “A nation that does not value its teachers does not value its future.”
4. “Standards and accountability are not the enemies of public education; they are the cornerstone of it.”
5. “The purpose of education is to prepare our young people for a future that none of us can predict.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Albert Shanker’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to education and labor unions were invaluable.
Children
Albert Shanker had two children, a son named Adam and a daughter named Jennie.
Relevant Links
1. [Albert Shanker Institute](https://www.shankerinstitute.org/
2. [American Federation of Teachers](https://www.aft.org/
3. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Shanker
