The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) are among the most powerful interest groups in the nation, affecting the way public policy is made. They are the primary political opponents of all forms of privatization, and overwhelmingly support Democrat candidates for public office. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 is devoted to the history of teachers' unions. Chapter 3 explains the NEA and AFT political and social agendas. Chapter 4 discusses the way NEA/AFT objectives are implemented. Chapter 5 examines national political operations. Chapter 6 discusses political operations at state and local levels. Chapter 7 analyzes the NEA/AFT opposition to contracting out educational services. Chapter 8 examines the composition of union staff. Chapter 9 tracks union revenues. Chapter 9 analyzes the NEA's dubious accounting practices. Chapter 10 challenges the distinction between collective bargaining and political action. Chapter 11 explains the unique role of AFT President Albert Shanker. Chapter 12 assesses the impact of the state teachers' unions on teacher welfare and pupil achievement. Chapter 13 takes up the possible NEA/AFT merger and affiliation with the AFL-CIO and its consequences. Chapter 14 suggests how teachers, parents, and citizens and can address these issues. (Contains 327 references.) (RKJ)