The albert shanker institute was formed to carry on, conduct, and sponsor study and research in education and related fields, with the objective of informing employers, unions, educators, labor and others of its findings.

Democracy - promotes discussions and sponsors research on new challenges facing the world's democracies, with an emphasis on the role of freedom of association, unions and other civic institutions, and universal education in a democratic society. education - promotes discussions and sponsoring research on new and workable approaches to improving public education in america labor - professionals face issues such as desires to improve quality of work, keep pace with technology and the globalization of the economy and workplace flexibility. The institute promotes discussion and sponsors research to explore new structures and roles for unions with regard to these challenges. cross themed programs - designed to give the institute the flexibility to respond to program opportunities that arise during the course of the fiscal year. These programs usually fall within board-approved themes and program directions.