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:

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

June Jun17, 2026

Juneteenth, Truth-Telling, and the Power of Union-Supported Educators

As we celebrate Juneteenth, guest author Karla Hernández-Mats reminds us that teaching is a collective commitment to students and communities, and that unions are guardians of educational integrity, who empower teachers to teach truthfully and resist external pressures that seek to limit their professional judgment.

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June Jun4, 2026

The Accountability Gap: D.C. Schools and Students with Disabilities

Shanker Institute Fellow Tiffany Broadbent analyzes the complex structure of D.C.'s public school system and suggests meaningful changes to governance, accountability, and community participation.

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May May21, 2026

Do One-Size-Fits-All Literacy Programs Serve English Learners?

Shanker Fellow Tiffany Broadbent analyzes how English learners are rarely the starting point of policy design and are instead expected to adapt to systems built around other priorities.  

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Briefs | Reports