John Mitchell

John Mitchell the Director of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Educational Issues department. The department is responsible for developing and implementing programs and policy to improve both the working lives of AFT's teacher members and the quality of the schools in which they work. Prior to being appointed director in July 2006, he served for 10 years as the departments Deputy Director.

In this position, John managed several programs that helped AFT affiliates influence educational issues at the state and local level, including the Center for School Improvement (CSI), AFT's initiative to improve public schools. He also helped to shape the AFT's involvement in the academic standards movement and response to the No Child Left Behind Act and managed various AFT efforts to improve school discipline and safety.

Before moving to Washington, DC to work for the AFT, John served for 10 years as president of the AFT's state affiliate in New Mexico, the New Mexico Federation of Teachers. Prior to that, he taught math and science in the Albuquerque Public Schools for 10 years (1975-85). John resides in Maryland and is married to Robin Mitchell, a former special education teacher. Their three daughters graduated from the Montgomery County Public School system and are currently attending college. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Colorado and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico.