If you have been wondering if you can opt out of teacher union dues, there is good news.
The Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME means teachers nationwide are no longer required to be part of a teachers union in order to keep their jobs. You can stay a member if you’d like, but you are also now free to leave your teacher union and stop paying dues.
What You Need to Know About Teachers’ Rights & Union Membership
Deciding to leave your teachers union and stop paying dues may not be an easy decision.
Even if you disagree with your union's political involvement or feel like you’re not being supported, you may feel like opting out of teacher union dues would betray or offend your colleagues. You are not alone.
Many teachers have been guilted, coerced, even bullied into continuing to pay teacher union dues, even when it is not in their best interest. Sharon, an educator and former union representative, shares her story.
Just remember – the Supreme Court gave you the freedom to decide what is in your best interest, and in the best interest of your students and colleagues. Whatever you decide is the right decision!
If you opt out of teacher union dues, you will not lose your teaching contract, seniority, or other benefits.
You may be concerned that if you decide to opt out of paying union dues you will lose your teaching contract, seniority, tenure, or job protection. That is not the case.
- Your current teaching contract still stands, whether you’re a member of the teacher’s union or not.
- Your job, seniority, and tenure are protected by your contract and state and federal law. Additional job protection is also available through non-union education associations.
There are affordable alternatives for liability insurance, job protection, and other resources.
The union is not your only source for teacher liability insurance. There are many national and local teacher associations that provide liability insurance, employment rights coverage, and the other forms of support you need to do your job!
How to Opt Out of Paying Teacher Union Dues
If you have decided to opt out of paying teacher union dues, the process should be straightforward.
- Fill out the form on the right and select your state and teachers union. You can choose to download or email yourself a copy of the standard opt out letter.
- Fill in the letter with your information and mail copies to your union and employer.
What If You Get Pushback or Are Told You Missed the Opt Out Window?
Some teachers unions limit their members to a limited period of time where they can resign from their union membership and stop paying dues. If you send your opt out letter to the union and your employer and are told you have to wait, you can ask them to keep it on file for that window, or get help opting out sooner.
Some experts believe that the Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME means teachers should not be locked into a membership they were forced to have as a condition of employment and are free to opt out any time. Several organizations are successfully working with teachers to help them resign outside of their union’s opt out window. If you need help, please contact us at info@teacherfreedom.org.
If you have been wondering if you can opt out of teacher union dues, there is good news.
The Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME means teachers nationwide are no longer required to be part of a teachers union in order to keep their jobs. You can stay a member if you’d like, but you are also now free to leave your teacher union and stop paying dues.
What You Need to Know About Teachers’ Rights & Union Membership
Deciding to leave your teachers union and stop paying dues may not be an easy decision.
Even if you disagree with your union's political involvement or feel like you’re not being supported, you may feel like opting out of teacher union dues would betray or offend your colleagues. You are not alone.
Many teachers have been guilted, coerced, even bullied into continuing to pay teacher union dues, even when it is not in their best interest. Sharon, an educator and former union representative, shares her story.
Just remember – the Supreme Court gave you the freedom to decide what is in your best interest, and in the best interest of your students and colleagues. Whatever you decide is the right decision!
If you opt out of teacher union dues, you will not lose your teaching contract, seniority, or other benefits.
You may be concerned that if you decide to opt out of paying union dues you will lose your teaching contract, seniority, tenure, or job protection. That is not the case.
- Your current teaching contract still stands, whether you’re a member of the teacher’s union or not.
- Your job, seniority, and tenure are protected by your contract and state and federal law. Additional job protection is also available through non-union education associations.
There are affordable alternatives for liability insurance, job protection, and other resources.
The union is not your only source for teacher liability insurance. There are many national and local teacher associations that provide liability insurance, employment rights coverage, and the other forms of support you need to do your job!
How to Opt Out of Paying Teacher Union Dues
If you have decided to opt out of paying teacher union dues, the process is straightforward.
- Fill out the form below and select your state and teachers union. You can choose to download or email yourself a copy of the standard opt out letter.
- Fill in the letter with your information and mail copies to your union and employer.