Teachers now have the freedom to choose
Does your teachers union stance on politics or re-opening schools reflect your views?
Are you tired of all the politics and the thought that your union dues are going to support national interests rather than the issues important to your community and school district?
You are not alone. And you are not without options!
Here are some important facts that all teachers should keep in mind.
-
Teachers no longer have to fund the teachers union if it is not representing your views or advocating your best interests.
This applies to political candidates, policy issues, and everything else. We are no longer required to be members of the teachers union in order to keep our jobs, we can now vote with our feet if our views are not being represented.
-
Existing teaching contracts, and seniority, are not dependent on being a union member.
You may be afraid that you could lose your job or negotiated benefits if you decide to leave the union. You won’t. Your teaching contract is between you and your employer, union membership does not change it.
-
The teachers union is not your only source for liability insurance, legal representation, and other important benefits.
There are a range of professional associations for teachers that offer the same or better coverage being provided by the union, often at a more affordable rate. This includes benefits like liability insurance, have a representative at disciplinary meetings, legal advice, and more.
-
You are not alone.
Many teachers fear they are the only one unhappy with the status quo, or that leaving the union means they’re being unsupportive of their colleagues. That is not the case. Recent polls have found:
- Nearly a third of teachers think their union cares too much about partisan/election politics
- 90% of teachers respect the rights of their colleagues to join the association of their choice.
Alternative professional organizations don’t just offer benefits, they also provide a community. Choosing to leave the teachers union doesn’t mean you have to go without a network of supportive peers.
Teachers are empowered to make our own decisions. Make sure you’re exercising your rights!
Additional Resources
Teachers now have the freedom to choose
Does your teachers union stance on politics or re-opening schools reflect your views?
Are you tired of all the politics and the thought that your union dues are going to support national interests rather than the issues important to your community and school district?
You are not alone. And you are not without options!
Here are some important facts that all teachers should keep in mind.
-
Teachers no longer have to fund the teachers union if it is not representing your views or advocating your best interests.
This applies to political candidates, policy issues, and everything else. We are no longer required to be members of the teachers union in order to keep our jobs, we can now vote with our feet if our views are not being represented.
-
Existing teaching contracts, and seniority, are not dependent on being a union member.
You may be afraid that you could lose your job or negotiated benefits if you decide to leave the union. You won’t. Your teaching contract is between you and your employer, union membership does not change it.
-
The teachers union is not your only source for liability insurance, legal representation, and other important benefits.
There are a range of professional associations for teachers that offer the same or better coverage being provided by the union, often at a more affordable rate. This includes benefits like liability insurance, have a representative at disciplinary meetings, legal advice, and more.
-
You are not alone.
Many teachers fear they are the only one unhappy with the status quo, or that leaving the union means they’re being unsupportive of their colleagues. That is not the case. Recent polls have found:
- Nearly a third of teachers think their union cares too much about partisan/election politics
- 90% of teachers respect the rights of their colleagues to join the association of their choice.
Alternative professional organizations don’t just offer benefits, they also provide a community. Choosing to leave the teachers union doesn’t mean you have to go without a network of supportive peers.
Teachers are empowered to make our own decisions. Make sure you’re exercising your rights!