Are you interested in leaving the teachers union and stopping dues from being deducted from your paycheck?
Here’s what you need to know about canceling your teacher union membership and the so-called “opt out windows”:
- Union membership is no longer mandatory for teachers.
- Leaving the teachers union will not affect your teaching contract or your tenure.
- Negotiated benefits such as salary and health insurance are not dependent on union membership.
- You are not alone. Thousands of teachers have chosen to leave their teachers union. Hear educators share their stories.
- Other non-union teacher associations can provide liability insurance, legal representation, and other benefits, often at a fraction of the cost.
If you want to leave your teachers union, timing matters. Many teacher unions say educators have a limited window of time (the opt out window) to decide whether or not they want to stay in the union. Opt out windows often open during the summer or 30-60 days before your hiring anniversary — check your union membership agreement for specific dates. Be aware that if you decide to resign after that date it could be a lot more challenging to exercise your rights before next year.
How to Cancel Teacher Union Membership
If you have decided to cancel your teacher association membership, we can help guide you through the process.
- Find your state.
- Fill out the form to create an opt out letter personalized with your information.
- Download or email yourself a copy of the letter and mail it to your union and your employer.
What If You Get Pushback or Are Told You Missed the Opt Out Window?
If you send your employer and teachers union your opt out letter and are told you have to wait to leave your union, 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.