Starting a teaching career comes with a seemingly endless series of decisions. For many new teachers, another big issue is whether or not to join a union. Without a doubt, teacher unions offer a wide range of benefits—from collective bargaining and job protection to educational and leadership opportunities. Even in districts without formal or limited bargaining, pooling power through a union can make teachers’ voices more powerful. But unions also come with membership fees, which can be difficult for new hires below the pay scale.
As education systems face budget cuts, policy changes, and ever-increasing demands, the decision can feel more difficult than ever. So, where can new teachers turn for guidance in making an informed decision? Connect with a community of seasoned teachers in our Help Students Facebook group. They surprisingly answered the question “Should I join the teachers union?” a resounding yes! Teachers shared how being part of their union helped them protect paid planning time, protect the rights of new parents, advocate for racial and social justice in education, and more!
Here are their stories:
Camaraderie and communication
“There is a different relationship that comes with being in a union. Being able to connect with like-minded colleagues across the state, region, and nation who are working to better the lives of students is an incredible experience. Joining the union helped me understand that being a teacher and leader is a journey that one does not have to walk alone.” — Shelly G.
Emergency Support
“I immediately joined the union after starting a new job and I’m so glad I got it! My husband became very ill and needed care but I did not qualify for FMLA because my contract was new. My union supported me and kept my salary coming in by donating sick time. Because of that, I was able to take care of my husband for two full weeks before he died. Their help was invaluable during a difficult time in my life.” —Jennifer B.
Power in Numbers
“I believe that they are strong in terms of numbers. If someone has a problem, I want to make sure they have the opportunity to feel supported the way I have. It’s funny: People often think that change only comes from a big person. They don’t see that it comes from ordinary people who are organized and willing to make a difference.” —Laura W.
The Ripple Effect
“Being part of a local union that has relationships with major state and national unions gives us the power to change the working conditions that affect our students and their education. When we plan, we are able to develop real body composition and provide support for our students beyond academics. In addition, collective bargaining makes life better for teachers and helps them maintain a better work balance, which helps fight burnout.” -Keri T.
Protection of Contractual Rights
“In the school I attended, the management deprived the teachers of planning time to create a ‘room’ for the students. The union protested that they are violating the teachers’ contracts by not giving them a set time for the program. It went until the school board decided that teachers’ contracts must be respected. The union has been vigilant in protecting our contractual rights.” —Donna M.
Security in Uncertain Times
“When I first started interviewing for jobs, many people told me not to worry about joining the union yet. They made it seem like there were no real benefits to joining. My mother insisted that I join as soon as I got a job. As a longtime special education teacher, she had been through the courts and knew that the legal protection provided by the union was worth every penny. ‘You don’t have to do anything wrong to end up in a fight with a parent, and it’s scary,’ she told me. “Knowing that you will be able to find an attorney to represent teachers for a living gives the level of security that teachers need today.” -Meghan M.
Supporting New Teachers
“I joined this union because I hated to see first-year teachers leave the profession because they felt unsupported. I wanted to make a difference for those teachers so that they would stay. What I have learned is that the best way to keep our teachers here is to support them, and we can do that by having a strong and loud voice. The best way to have that voice is to increase union membership.” — Joseph D.
Providing physical and emotional support
“I had a problem with a student and the parents soon came to abuse me. They took their complaint to the superintendent and the school board. My union representative and our SRO have helped me with both my physical safety and mental stability. Their support was invaluable.” —Joy S.
The Power of a Group of Motivated People
“I know the teachers are frustrated and I know that if we can help support the teachers, the students will do better in school. There is good work that can be done with the help of the union and if we don’t go in and do it, someone else will; someone who may not be doing our job in the most beneficial way. For teachers who really want to make a difference, a union can provide a way to increase leadership skills, support other teachers and help improve our workplace.” —Tammy S.
Supporting Leave Policies
“When I had to negotiate with the district because they were using the state leave inappropriately, my union intervened and supported the district to respond. Not only that, the union also negotiated for breastfeeding slots and more rights for new mothers in our contract.” — Nicole P.
Advocating for Social and Racial Justice in Public Education
“My main goal, and the legacy I hope to leave as a teacher, is to be a champion of social justice. Our unions are committed to protecting the human and social rights of all students, enabling all students to learn in a safe, supportive environment. This not only benefits individuals but also society as a whole.” – Dr. P.
This post is sponsored by the National Education Association. We are proud to support their mission to fight for justice and excellence in public education. Learn how to join NEA today.
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