Starting a career as a teacher involves a seemingly never-ending series of decisions. One of the biggest concerns for many new teachers is whether to join a union. Without a doubt, teachers unions offer a wide range of benefits, from collective bargaining and job protection to teaching and leadership opportunities. Even in states where collective bargaining is non-existent or limited, educators’ voices can become more powerful by joining forces through unions. However, unions also require dues, which can be difficult for new employees at the lowest pay scale.
As education systems face budget cuts, policy changes, and ever-increasing demands, decisions can feel more complex than ever. So where should new teachers turn for guidance to make informed decisions? We reached out to our community of experienced educators in the We Are Teachers helpline group on Facebook. Ta. An overwhelming majority of people answered the question, “Should I join a teachers union?” “Yes!” Educators believe that union membership protects paid schedule time, secures the rights of new parents, and supports racial and social justice in education. I shared how it helped me advocate and more.
Their story is as follows.
friendship and connection
“Belonging to a union creates a unique sense of camaraderie. Being able to connect with like-minded colleagues across districts, states, and countries who are striving to improve the lives of students is incredible. It’s the most bonding experience I’ve ever had. Joining the union helped me understand that being a teacher and a leader doesn’t have to be a journey alone.” —Sherry G.
Support in scary situations
“I joined the union right after I started my new job, and I’m so glad I did!” My husband became seriously ill and needed care, but because his contract was new, he wasn’t eligible for FMLA. did. My union supported me and kept me on my paycheck by donating sick leave. Thanks to this, I was able to care for my husband for two full weeks until he passed away. Their help was invaluable during a very difficult time in my life. ” —Jennifer B.
power of numbers
“I believe there is power in numbers. If someone is having a problem, I want to make sure they have the opportunity to feel supported, just as I have been supported. The funny thing is, people tend to think that change only comes from great people. They don’t realize that it comes from ordinary people who are organized and motivated to make a difference. ” — Laura W.
ripple effect
“By being part of a local union connected to larger state and national unions, we can change working conditions that directly impact students and their education. When we organize, It can improve physical fitness and provide students with support beyond academics. Additionally, collective bargaining can improve teachers’ lives and help them maintain a better work-life balance, reducing burnout. ” —Keri T.
Protection of contractual rights
“At my previous school, the administration took away planning time from teachers to create ‘homerooms’ for students. The union protested that the school was breaking its contracts with teachers by not providing them with the required scheduled time. The matter went to the school board, which ruled that the teacher’s contract must be honored. The union was on guard to protect our contracted rights. ” —Donna M.
Security in uncertain times
“When I first started interviewing for jobs, I was told by several people that I didn’t need to worry about joining a union yet. They made it sound like there was no real benefit to joining. Her mother, on the other hand, told her to join as soon as she got the job.As a longtime special education teacher, she had experience with the due process hearings that unions provide. She knew that protection was worth every penny of her dues. “It’s scary to get into a legal battle with your parents when you haven’t done anything wrong,” she told me. “Knowing that you have access to an attorney who makes a living representing teachers provides the level of peace of mind that today’s teachers need.” – Megan M.
Support for new teachers
“I joined the union because I hated seeing first-year teachers leave because they felt unsupported. I wanted to make a difference for those teachers and encourage them to stay. What I learned is that the best way to keep teachers here is to support them, and that can be done by having a strong and loud voice. The best way to increase membership is to increase membership.” —Joseph D.
provide physical and emotional support
“I had an issue with one student that quickly escalated into bullying by parents. They filed a complaint with the superintendent and school board. My union representative and our SRO They helped me with both my physical safety and my mental stability. Their support was invaluable.” —Joy S.
The collective power of motivated individuals
“We know that teachers are frustrated, and we know that if we can support teachers, students will do better in school. The good work that can be done with the help of unions is Yes, even if we don’t participate, someone else will. For teachers who truly want to make a difference, unions can help improve leadership skills, support other teachers, and improve the working environment. We can provide an avenue to contribute to the improvement of —Tammy S.
Compliance with vacation policy
“When I had to negotiate with the school district because the state was incorrectly implementing paid leave, my union stepped in and helped me hold the school district accountable. , the union negotiated a contract that included breastfeeding space and additional rights for new mothers.” —Nicole P.
Advocating for social and racial justice in public education
“My primary mission, and the legacy I want to leave as a teacher, is to be a warrior for social justice. We are committed to protecting the human and civil rights of our students, which benefits not only the individual but society as a whole.” —Drew P.
