Starting a teaching career comes with a seemingly endless series of decisions. For many new teachers, one of the biggest is whether or not to join a union. Without question, teacher unions offer a wide range of benefits—from collective bargaining and job protections to educational and leadership opportunities. Even in states without or with limited collective bargaining, joining forces through a union can make educators’ voices more powerful. But unions also come with membership dues, which can be tough for new hires at the bottom of the pay scale.
As education systems face budget cuts, policy changes, and ever-increasing demands, the decision can feel more complex than ever. So, where can new teachers turn for guidance on making an informed decision? We reached out to the community of seasoned educators on our We Are Teachers Helpline group on Facebook. They overwhelmingly answered the question “Should I join the teachers union?” with a resounding yes! Educators shared how being part of their union helped them protect paid planning time, secure rights for new parents, advocate for racial and social justice in education, and more!
Here are their stories:
Camaraderie and Connection
“There is a unique camaraderie that comes with belonging to a union. Being able to connect with like-minded colleagues across the district, state, and nation who are working to better students’ lives is an incredible bonding experience. Joining the union has helped me understand that becoming a teacher and leader is a journey that one doesn’t have to walk alone.” —Shelly G.
Support in Scary Situations
“I immediately joined the union after starting a new job and am so glad I did! My husband became very ill and needed care but I didn’t qualify for FMLA because my contract was so new. My union supported me and kept my pay coming by donating sick time. Because of that, I was able to care for my husband for two full weeks before he passed away. Their help was invaluable during a very difficult time in my life.” —Jennifer B.
Power in Numbers
“I believe there is power in numbers. If someone is having an issue, I want to make sure they have the opportunity to feel supported the way I have been supported. It’s funny: People often think change only comes from a great person. They don’t realize that it comes from ordinary people who are organized and motivated to make a difference.” —Laura W.
The Ripple Effect
“Being part of a local union with ties to larger state and national unions empowers us to change working conditions that directly impact our students and their education. When we organize, we are able to improve actual physical building and provide support for our students beyond academics. In addition, collective bargaining makes life better for teachers and helps them maintain a better work-life balance, which helps combat burnout.” —Keri T.
Protecting Contracted Rights
“At my former school, the administration took away teachers’ planning time to create a ‘homeroom’ for students. The union protested that they were breaking teachers’ contracts by not providing them with the mandated amount of plan time. It went all the way up to the school board and they ruled that teacher contracts must be honored. The union was vigilant in protecting our contracted rights.” —Donna M.
Security During Uncertain Times
“When I first started interviewing for jobs, several people told me not to worry about joining a union just yet. They made it seem like there were no real benefits to joining. My mother, on the other hand, insisted I join as soon as I got a job. As a longtime special education teacher, she had been through due-process hearings and knew that the legal protections offered by the union were worth every penny of her dues. ‘You don’t have to do anything wrong to end up in a legal dispute with a parent, and it is terrifying,’ she told me. ‘Knowing that you will have access to a lawyer who represent teachers for a living provides a level of security that teachers need nowadays.’” —Meghan M.
Supporting New Teachers
“I joined the union because I hated seeing first-year teachers leave the profession because they didn’t feel supported. I wanted to make a difference for those teachers so they would stay. What I’ve 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 by growing the membership of the union.” —Joseph D.
Providing Physical and Emotional Support
“I had an issue with a student that quickly escalated into the parents bullying me. They took their complaint to the superintendent and the school board. My union representative and our SRO helped me with both my physical safety and mental stability. Their support was invaluable.” —Joy S.
The Collective Power of Motivated Individuals
“I know teachers are frustrated and I know that if we can help support teachers, students will do better in school. There is good work that can be done with the union’s help and if we don’t pitch in and do it, someone else will; someone who may not act in the best interests of our profession. For teachers really looking to make a difference, the union can provide a path to expand on leadership skills, support other teachers and help improve our working environment.” —Tammy S.
Upholding Leave Policies
“When I had to negotiate with the district because they were implementing our state’s paid leave incorrectly, my union stepped in and backed me up in holding the district accountable. Not only that, the union also negotiated for lactation spaces and additional rights for new mothers into our contract.” —Nicole P.
Advocating for Social and Racial Justice in Public Education
“My primary mission, and the legacy I hope to leave behind as a teacher, is being a warrior for social justice. Our unions are committed to protecting the human and civil rights of all students, which enables all students to learn in a safe, supportive environment. This not only benefits individuals but society as a whole.” —Dru P.
This post is sponsored by the National Education Association. We’re proud to support their mission of championing justice and excellence in public education. Learn how you can join the NEA today.
