The Albert Shanker Institute is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to honor the life and legacy of the late president of the American Federation of Teachers; we are committed to three fundamental principles:

Supporting Vibrant Democracy

Strengthen, defend, and extend democracy as the best guarantor of universal civil and human rights, at home and around the world, in every facet of life and for every person.

Quality Public Education

Strengthen and recognize public education as a cornerstone of democracy, where schools encourage critical thinking enabling all students to be well-informed and engaged citizens.

A Voice for Working People

Strengthen the essential role of unions in a democracy as organizations that offer workers a voice, lift living standards, enhance institutions, and promote the common good.

Research | Commentary

August Aug20, 2026

Encore Careers: Serving the Public Interest After 80

Guest author and Shanker Institute board member Stan Litow urges skilled, experienced retirees to mentor the next generation of young leaders to further empower them and to help close BOTH the skills and income gaps. 

Read

July Jul23, 2026

A Common Sense Approach to Demystify Universal Reading Screening with Multilingual Students

Guest author Lillian Durán analyzes the fundamental difference between language and literacy skill development when screening multilingual students for reading problems.

Read

June Jun30, 2026

Proficiency or Penalty? Grade Retention Policy and Its Implications for English Learners in Utah

Shanker Institute Fellow Tiffany Broadbent analyzes how grade retention policies often function as a structural penalty for English Language Learners when evidence-based interventions are needed instead.

Read

Briefs | Reports