Phillips, Albert James, 1899-

Lansing, Michigan, educator, executive secretary of Michigan Education Association, 1936-1958, and member of Michigan State Tax Study Commission.

Albert J. Phillips was born in England on February 2, 1899. He came to the United States in 1910 and was naturalized in 1919. After receiving his bachelor's degree at Albion College (1921), Phillips received his master's (1925) and Ph.D. (1933) from the University of Michigan. After receiving his bachelor's, Phillips taught at Big Rapids (1922-1925) and was superintendent of schools at Clio, Michigan (1925-1931). While working on his doctorate, Phillips was research assistant in the bureau of educational research at the University of Michigan. He joined the staff of the Michigan Education Association as director of research (1933-1936). He became executive director of the MEA in 1936 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1958. While at the MEA, Phillips successfully led campaigns for increased state support of schools, higher pensions, and tenure for teachers.

During 1938-1939, Phillips was a member of the Governor Frank Murphy's tax study commission. He also served on Governor Harry Kelley's tax study commission from 1944 to 1945. Phillips died November 29, 1969.