How do I get a teaching contract? ?

Question

I teach preschool through the state of Michigan grant-funded Michigan School Readiness Program (now called Great Start Readiness Program). Many teachers of this program in Michigan get teacher salary w/ benefits AND a can be part of the teacher bargaining unit/union.

However, my school does not let me be part of the bargaining unit. How do I get into that? They pay me salary/benefits, but say they won't give me the contract in case my program funding ever falls through. Our program has been running for over 15 years.

Who do I start with? What are my rights?

Answer 1

Contact the local union president in the district where you are currently teaching.  If they don't get back to you consult with the MEA state office.  They might be able to help you.  I teach in Pennsylvania and the collective bargaining agreement between the district and our association specifies who is a member of our bargaining unit.  This is backed up by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

Good luck