Union leader, born in New York City, New York, USA. Growing up poor, she would later credit the public school system for saving my life. She studied at Brooklyn College and took an MA in English literature from New York University (1964). As a young woman she joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and was arrested several times on civil-rights marches in the South. She began as a supply teacher in the New York public schools, and in 1963 got a full-time appointment, teaching fourth grade. In 1966 she became a field representative for the United Federation of Teachers, and became the union's executive director (1981), secretary (1983), and president (1986), succeeding Albert Shanker (who had long praised her as the effective administrator). The first woman to head this union, the largest local union of any kind in the USA, representing some 85 000 teachers, guidance counsellors, and teachers' assistants, she became known as a tough and dedicated advocate of the labour union movement and the cause of public education. She was married to Arthur H Barnes, one-time president of the New York Urban Coalition; they had no children. She is a collector of art and an avid reader of fiction.
Sandra Feldman (1940-2005) was head of the United Federation of Teachers succeeding Albert Shanker. The UFT is the trade union representing New York City public school teachers. The UFT is an affiliate of the AFT, the American Federation of Teachers. Feldman was elected to head up the UFT when Albert Shanker became head of the AFT.
She attended the public schools and earned her bachelors at Brooklyn College and her MA at New York University.
Current chief Randi Weingarten, succeeded her as UFT head.
User Comments Add a comment…