The Author: Carol F. Karpinski is Assistant Professor at the Peter Sammartino School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Her research examines teacher unions, African American educators, and educational leadership. She has an Ed.D. in administration and supervision from Rutgers University, and her articles have appeared in Urban Education, The Journal of Educational Administration, and The Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership.

«‘A Visible Company of Professionals’ presents a nuanced and highly complex story of the influence that the African American civil rights movement had on the nation’s most important professional education association, the National Education Association. A wonderful mix of social, institutional, and educational histories, Carol F. Karpinski skillfully tells the story of an organization that moved from merely mouthing notions of democracy and equity – to living them. It’s a must-read for those interested in public education, social justice and the power that like-minded educators can have in advocating for both.» (Catherine A. Lugg, Associate Professor of Education, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)«This is a welcome work in so many ways. Historical studies of the NEA are especially needed, particularly those that deal with its relationships to minority teachers. This book is well-researched and carefully argued. It will undoubtedly enrich the literature on teacher associations at the national level.» (Wayne Urban, Professor, University of Alabama)«In ‘A Visible Company of Professionals’, Carol F. Karpinski captures the multiple forces contending in educational organizations, in communities, and in the general society to illuminate how African American educators and their White allies assisted the NEA in changing from an organization that professed equity to one that lived it. Karpinski skillfully discusses the many educational leaders at different levels over the history of the NEA and their relationship to its national, state and local affiliates. This book is a must-read for all, particularly those in educational leadership positions....» (Adah Ward Randolph, Associate Professor, Ohio University)