Alabama Teachers Unions

Public school educators in Alabama are represented by two main organizations: the Alabama Education Association and AFT Alabama. These unions advocate for more school funding and legal protections for teachers and other school employees. The unions lobby the legislature and provide members with support, resources advocacy efforts.

Alabama Education Association (AEA)

Leadership

• President: Dr. Susan Williams Brown
• Vice President: Dr. Bridgette Massey Johnson
• Secretary-Treasurer: Gregory S. Martin

Organization
The Alabama Education Association (AEA) is the largest professional organization representing public school employees in Alabama. Affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), AEA advocates for educators through legislative action, legal services, and professional development. The organization works to get more money to public schools and also advocates about a variety of controversial political issues.

Member Dues
AEA membership dues typically range from $300 to $500 annually, with the exact amount depending on factors like employment status and local affiliate policies. This total covers both state and national membership and helps fund legal support, professional development, and advocacy efforts about public education in Alabama.

Meetings
The union holds regular meetings throughout the year to address education policy, member advocacy, and organizational priorities. AEA also hosts events such as the Delegate Assembly and professional development conferences for educators and support staff. Local affiliates hold meetings to discuss district-specific issues and coordinate efforts at the community level.

Requirements
The Alabama Education Association is open to teachers, support staff, administrators, and other education professionals working in Alabama. To join, individuals must be employed in education and pay annual dues, which vary by role and local affiliation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers legal protection and representation for members.
• Provides professional development opportunities and educational resources.
• Advocates on key education issues and offers local support through affiliates across the state.

Cons

• Requires annual dues, which may be a financial concern for some educators.
• Some members may not agree with all of the organization’s political positions.
• Advocacy priorities may not always reflect every educator’s individual concerns.

American Federation of Teachers Alabama (AFT Alabama)

Leadership

• AFT President: Randi Weingarten
• AFT Secretary-Treasurer: Fredrick C. Ingram
• AFT Executive Vice President: Evelyn DeJesus

Organization
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Alabama is a state affiliate of the national AFT, representing educators and school staff across Alabama. It advocates for improved working conditions, higher compensation and public education. AFT Alabama also provides professional development resources and legal support to its members, working to amplify their voices in education policy and workplace rights.

Member Dues
AFT Alabama offers tiered membership options, with Basic membership starting at $70 per year. Dues help fund legal support, professional development, advocacy efforts, and other member benefits. The exact cost may vary depending on membership level and local chapter affiliation.

Meetings
The union holds meetings throughout the year to discuss educational policies, member advocacy, and professional development initiatives. The frequency and specific agendas of these meetings can vary.

Requirements
To join AFT Alabama, individuals must typically work in education or public service and enroll through a local affiliate like Central Alabama AFT. Maintaining membership requires paying annual dues and following the organization’s policies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides strong legal support and representation for members.
• Offers professional development opportunities and workplace advocacy.
• Affiliation with the national AFT gives members a voice in education policy and access to national resources.

Cons

• Smaller presence in Alabama may limit influence on statewide education issues.
• Lack of local chapters in some areas can reduce access to direct support.
• Limited visibility compared to larger educator organizations in the state.
• Uses dues money to push controversial political causes.

Exercise Your Rights

Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.