Why We Are Thankful for Our Union

I became a member-organizer because it’s important for teachers to find collective values to tackle collective problems. We need passionate educators to push back against legislators who want to privatize education and who don’t understand the issues we face on a regular basis. Teaching can sometimes feel like an isolating experience, but it’s important for educators to put our voices together so we can speak about these issues and share opportunities to find solutions.

The union helps ensure that pay wage is always comparable for a living wage. Without the union, job security becomes like the wild west.

Over the years, I have seen the Illinois Education Association advocate for its members—supporting faculty members in winning a fair contract, pushing legislators to pass laws that benefit student teachers, and working to reform the Illinois pension system so that we can one day retire with dignity—and not have to work until the age 67 to receive full retirement benefits!

The union supports our work and helps in different ways, from stocking our pantries with non-perishable foods to volunteering at our events. They give us kudos for doing what we love—working with students and their families. It’s been amazing and rewarding.

It’s a comfort to be a part of a union when it comes to speaking up about any problems. People are always afraid of retaliation if they raise concerns, but you have a lot less fear with the union behind you because they will step in and have your back.

My local, OEA, and NEA (through its training and micro-credential offerings, among other support) have all been a blessing to me—and to my fellow ESPs who have benefited from the power of the union. For example, NEA provided a grant for me to partially fund my advanced training in dyslexia instruction, as well as funds and support for our ESP mentoring program. Plus, NEA helped support a micro-credential pilot for our local.”

After my father's passing, I needed time for myself and to get some things for my family but couldn’t afford time off. I got an unexpected outpouring of support and sympathy from my local, the Nash County Education Association, and members of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE). They also raised money for me so that I could take time off from my job to handle my family affairs during that difficult period.”

The union has been the only place that has opened doors for us to speak directly to lawmakers about what we do for students and schools across the state of New York. I found my worth within the union, and I want all support staff to know their worth, too.

The union has helped me to find my voice, and so I don't have a fear of speaking up, especially through an equity lens. Unions are more than bread and butter. We care about salaries and working conditions, but we also care about social justice – a pillar of the Wisconsin Education Association Council and NEA. For me, that was a selling point to increase my union involvement.

I joined the union to help make my profession better. I knew teachers were frustrated, and I knew that if we can help support teachers, students will do better in school. There's good work that can be done through the union, and there's work that needs to be done. If we're not out there doing it, someone else is going to be doing it, and it might not be in the best interest of our profession.