Missouri Teachers - should I join MSTA or NEA or neither?

Question

I am a first year teacher and was wondering what union I should join or if I should join one at all. I would love some input- Thanks!

Answer 1

The NEA is a great union for all the reasons listed previously and also because it has very strong national and local clout.  Joining the MSTA might be helpful if you're in a district that supports the MSTA (I think the city does).  In my district the MNEA is VERY STRONG.  Best advice:  speak to the teachers in your district to find out who they support and why.  They can give you a heads-up on what each organization does locally for YOUR district...Congratulations!

Answer 2

join the one that works closely with your district. If something ever comes up  - you want someone who knows the district.

Also - you havent researched it as of yet I take it - to join NEA - you have to join the state affiliate - its a two for one. Visit the NEA website - youll see you cant join directly - they direct you to your states affiliate.

Answer 3

Usually they are unified. If you join the state association, you also join the national. And you should also have a local association which is also unified. By all means join. With the NEA you get $1,000,000 in liability insurance and your lawyers are paid for in any case involving wrongful termination, or if you get sued. (Mary's mom is upset because the "F" you gave her daughter keeps her from being a cheerleader etc.) so she sues you. At $150 an hour, lawyer bills add up quickly. In the USA there are tons of lawsuits, protect your self.  

Answer 4

I would join NEA... It is national and you get tons of discounts at stores, restaurants, cell phone service, theme parks and much much more...

Plus NEA is national and will be able to provide you with more than your state association...  

Answer 5

NEA is not very strong in Missouri.  MSTA is huge.  In some areas, though, that might not necessarily be the case (St. Louis or KC).  Personally, I join both, and I have seen teachers who have had either one use their representatives and they have helped them out with school issues.

As to your second question, it is beneficial to be in a teacher union.  It's kind of a coverage or safety for you in case something happens, you have backing.  Things you would never even think of happen, and it's nice to have someone to call if you need legal/ethical help on a situation.  

As the other posters have mentioned, you can ask who your representatives are and they will tell you about what they offer in more depth, and from there you can make a choice.