There are a lot of misconceptions around Maryland 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 Maryland teachers union, make sure you read the information below.

What Maryland Teachers Need to Know About Union Membership

Before 2018, teaching at a public school in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Teachers Union

If you have decided to cancel your Maryland teachers membership, we can help guide you through the process, starting with a customizable opt out letter. You can preview the letter here.

1. Fill out the form on the right and select Maryland 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.
2. Personalize the letter with your information and mail copies to your union and employer.

Benefits & Job Protection for Maryland 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 Maryland teachers union, you will not lose your teaching contract, seniority, or other benefits.

• • 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.