Your Rights in Tennessee

Opt Out Rights

You have the right to opt out entirely in Tennessee.

Association Options

You have association options in Tennessee. 
Learn more.

Limitations

There may be opt-out limitations. Get started below.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about opting out are significant in Tennessee. Learn more.

Exercise Your Rights

Explore the opt-out process for your district:

Opt Out Form Two
Use these fields if your union is not listed in the drop-down menu above:


Prefer to explore opt-out process without entering information?

Our Stories

Read More

Andrea, special education teacher

“I’m not anti-union. I’m for choice.”   After an unfulfilling career in corporate America, Andrea wanted to give back to ...
Andrea, special education teacher
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Damon, social studies teacher

“Exercise all of your rights, don’t let anyone place limits.”   Damon, a pastor in New Jersey, was inspired to ...
Damon, social studies teacher
Read More

Kati, student success coach

“I felt really empowered that it was my decision.”   Kati fell in love with teaching after she had the ...
Kati, student success coach
Read More

Michael, English and social sciences teacher

“I want to choose who I associate with and I want to make that decision willingly.”   Born and raised ...
teachers should have freedom of association

Be Informed and Be Empowered

Addressing common misconceptions about opting out of union membership.

Will I lose my health insurance?

Will I lose my health insurance?

No, you won't. Union membership has absolutely no impact on your health insurance or other compensation from the district.

Isn't it selfish to leave the union?

Isn't it selfish to leave the union?

Exercising your right as a professional is never selfish.

An association cannot serve you well if you are told you can never leave.

Will I be mistreated by colleagues?

Will I be mistreated by colleagues?

This is a common fear, but most teachers respect your right to join the association of your choice.

A recent survey revealed that 90% of teachers respect the right of their colleagues to join the association of their choice.

What about liability insurance?

What about liability insurance?

Union liability insurance is provided exclusively to members.
There are numerous (often less expensive) alternatives to the union for quality liability insurance.

Will I lose my seniority?

Will I lose my seniority?

No, you won't. Union membership has absolutely no impact on your seniority.

Am I out of the contract if I leave the union?

Am I out of the contract if I leave the union?

Your individual membership has absolutely no impact on the existence or terms of the negotiated agreement for you or any colleagues. You are still a part of the contract if you leave the union.

Will I lose tenure?

Will I lose tenure?

No, you won't. Union membership has absolutely no impact on your tenure.

Who will protect my employment rights?

Who will protect my employment rights?

School employees are protected by the contract and state & federal law, but do often need additional support. Your due process rights can be protected by less expensive alternative professional associations.

Tennessee Education News

The 74 Logo

Teachers Union Membership Drops by 59,000 Across the Nation

The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers lost more than 59,000 working members combined during the 2021-22 ...
READ MORE
OPINION | Why haven't more teachers left the union after Janus?

OPINION | Why haven't more teachers left the union after Janus?

One year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 40-year precedent by forbidding public-sector unions from collecting dues from nonmembers. ...
READ MORE
Education Week logo

NEWS | Should Teachers Be Able to Negotiate Their Own Contracts?

Just over a third of teachers say they would prefer to negotiate salary and benefits for themselves, according to a ...
READ MORE

Need Help?

If you are having difficulty experiencing your rights outlined above, email Teacher Freedom. We want to help.

Need Help
Top Five Reasons Educators Opt Out of Union Membership
  1. I'm so tired of the nonstop politics and negativity. 
  2. Unions are too focused on adults at the expense of kids. 
  3. It is just too expensive! 
  4. I don’t want my money going to the union’s national political agenda. Focus on education issues, not national politics. 
  5. I found a better association that provides what I need and it costs less by not funding candidates and political parties.
Top Five Reasons Educators Join Alternative Associations
  1. I need quality liability insurance. 
  2. I want support protecting my job. Employment rights coverage will be there for me. 
  3. This professional association shares my values and philosophy. 
  4. No partisan politics, no campaigns or elections—focused on kids and helping teachers. 
  5. Lower price. Much lower price.