No one has been more devoted to the mission of public school principals and vice-principals, supervisors, and other administrators than Baxter Atkinson.
In a distinguished career that has spanned more than three decades, Atkinson taught reading and mathematics in the Hartford public school system, was a head resource teacher for planning and implementing curricula, and for more than a generation, served as a principal and vice-principal. Along with his commitment to a high-quality education for the students whose lives he has touched, Atkinson has been deeply committed to advancing the economic interests and professional respect of the women and men in the American Federation of School Administrators.
Over the years, his AFSA sisters and brothers have entrusted him with their livelihood and future, and he has justified that trust and earned their respect. In Connecticut, they chose him as President, Second Vice-President, and Chief Negotiator of the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association, as well as Treasurer of the Connecticut Federation of School Administrators. In 2003, AFSA delegates at the union's national convention recognized the dedication and idealism that Connecticut AFSA members had seen for years, and Atkinson was elected to be AFSA's National President.
His accomplishments include the establishment of the Educadores Puertoriquenos en Accion, Inc. as Local 105 of the School Administrators, resulting in a better life for school administrators in Puerto Rico. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Atkinson devoted enormous energy and effort to mobilizing support for the members of the Principals' Association of New Orleans (AFSA Local 17).
A hallmark of Atkinson's career in AFSA has been his strong solidarity with the entire union movement. The AFL-CIO Executive Council has benefited from his wide-ranging contributions as a member. He serves with distinction as vice chair of the Council's Ethical Practices Committee and as a member of its Executive Committee and the committees on Civil and Human Rights, Organizing and Article XX Appeals.
On behalf of the members of the AFL-CIO throughout the country, we thank Baxter Atkinson for everything he has achieved for the School Administrators and the AFL-CIO, and we give him our warmest wishes for many happy years in Hartford with his wife Barbara and their two sons.