There are a lot of misconceptions around California teachers' rights and whether teachers are required to be members of a teachers union. We've put together some resources and FAQs to help teachers understand their rights.
If you're considering union membership or are ready to leave your California teachers union, make sure you read the information below.
What California Teachers Need to Know About Union Membership
Before 2018, teaching at a public school in California meant you had pay dues or fees to a teachers' union in order to keep your job. In 2018, the Supreme Court's decision in Janus v. AFSCME restored teachers' First Amendment rights, namely their freedom to choose whether or not they want to be members of a teachers union. Here's what teachers need to know:
- Teachers union membership in California is now optional.
- You have the right to join a teachers union, but cannot be forced to join one.
- Non-members cannot be required to pay teacher union fees or dues.
- Your employer cannot discriminate against you based on your union membership status.
- You have employment rights regardless of your union membership status.
Want to know more about your rights as an educator? See the full list here.
How to Leave Your California Teachers Union
If you have decided to cancel your California teachers membership, we can help guide you through the process, starting with a customizable opt out letter. You can preview the letter here.
- Fill out the form on the right and select California and your specific teachers union, if listed. You can choose to download or email yourself a copy of the standard opt out letter. Filling out the form will not initiate the opt out process.
- Personalize the letter with your information and mail copies to your union and employer.
Benefits & Job Protection for California Teachers
Benefits are a big deal, so it's important to know which of your benefits are provided by your employer and which come from the teachers union or a non-union education association.
If you decide to leave your California teachers union, you will not lose your teaching contract, seniority, or other benefits.
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- Any current teaching contract you have still stands, whether you’re a member of the teacher’s union or not.
- Health insurance is provided through your employer, not the teachers union.
- Your job, seniority, and tenure are protected by your contract and state and federal law and is not dependent on union membership. Additional job protection is also available through non-union education associations.
There are a lot of misconceptions around California teachers' rights and whether teachers are required to be members of a teachers union. We've put together some resources and FAQs to help teachers understand their rights.
If you're considering union membership or are ready to leave your California teachers union, make sure you read the information below.
What California Teachers Need to Know About Union Membership
Before 2018, teaching at a public school in California meant you had pay dues or fees to a teachers' union in order to keep your job. In 2018, the Supreme Court's decision in Janus v. AFSCME restored teachers' First Amendment rights, namely their freedom to choose whether or not they want to be members of a teachers union. Here's what teachers need to know:
- Teachers union membership in California is now optional.
- You have the right to join a teachers union, but cannot be forced to join one.
- Non-members cannot be required to pay teacher union fees or dues.
- Your employer cannot discriminate against you based on your union membership status.
- You have employment rights regardless of your union membership status.
Want to know more about your rights as an educator? See the full list here.
How to Leave Your California Teachers Union
If you have decided to cancel your California teachers membership, we can help guide you through the process, starting with a customizable opt out letter. You can preview the letter here.
- Fill out the form below and select California and your specific teachers union, if listed. You can choose to download or email yourself a copy of the standard opt out letter. Filling out the form will not initiate the opt out process.
- Personalize the letter with your information and mail copies to your union and employer.
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EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS
Explore the process for your district and create a sample opt out letter.
Most of the benefits offered by your California teachers union are also offered by non-political teaching associations.
Here's an overview of the benefits offered by both teachers unions and non-union teaching associations:
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- Legal Protection
- Liability Insurance
- Professional Resources
- Advocacy
- Discounts on supplementary insurance, shopping, and entertainment
The main differences between unions and non-union education associations is that California teacher unions currently have exclusive collective bargaining rights and that non-union teaching associations have cheaper dues.
Explore your options for non-union teaching associations available in California.
Why Do Teachers Choose to Join Non-Union Teaching Associations?
Thousands of teachers in California have already made the decision to leave the teachers union and join an education association that meets their needs. Here are some of the main reasons that guided their decision:
- The education association offers quality liability insurance, often at a lower price.
- Legal protection if you have workplace issues or face a lawsuit arising out of your educational duties.
- Shared values and philosophy.
- An end to partisan politics, their education association is focused on kids and serving teachers.
- The cost is much less expensive than union dues.
More California Resources
Teachers and education staff are encouraged to visit California Teacher Empowerment Network (CTEN)'s website and Facebook community for additional information and resources specifically for California educators.
