Tough Liberal

Albert Shanker and the Battles Over Schools, Unions, Race, and Democracy

By: Richard D. Kahlenberg

Narrated by: Paul Leonard

In Woody Allen's 1973 film, Sleeper, a character wakes up in the future to learn that civilization was destroyed when "a man by the name of Albert Shanker got hold of a nuclear warhead." Shanker was condemned by many when he shut down the New York City school system in the bitter strikes of 1967 and 1968, and he was denounced for stirring up animosity between Black parents and Jewish teachers. Later, however, he built alliances with Blacks, and at the time of his death in 1997, such figures as Bill Clinton celebrated Shanker for being an educational reformer, a champion of equality, and a promoter of democracy abroad.

©2007 Richard D. Kahlenberg (P)2007 Columbia University Press

Engrossing History

Every public school teacher must read this book. It is an indispensable resource to know the history of the fight for our profession, our students, and indeed the American Labor Movement in the 20th century. Kahlenberg’s detailed portrait of Albert Shanker life and influence proves his work is the compass we must use to forge a path for a brighter future.