Arkansas Teachers Unions
In Arkansas, public school educators are primarily represented by the Arkansas Education Association and its local affiliates. These organizations advocate for increased funding, teacher pay, and workplace protections. They also provide legal support, professional development, and policy advocacy for members at both the district and state levels.
Arkansas Education Association (AEA)
Leadership
- President: April Reisma
- Vice President: Carol B. Fleming
Organization
The Arkansas Education Association (AEA) is the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), representing public school teachers and education staff across Arkansas. AEA does not engage in collective bargaining but focuses on advocacy, policy influence, and member services.
Member Dues
A full membership including local, state, and NEA dues often costs around $600–$800 per year for a full-time teacher in Arkansas, but can vary by district. Dues are typically collected via payroll deduction over the school year.
Meetings
AEA holds an annual Representative Assembly where members set policy and elect officers. The union also hosts an annual professional development conference and other events for educators throughout the year.
Requirements
Membership is open to public education employees in Arkansas, including K-12 teachers, support professionals, and education students or retired educators. Joining AEA usually means joining the local affiliate in your school district which then includes state and national NEA membership.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides members with legal support and liability insurance
- Offers professional development opportunities
- Represents educators in state policy discussions
- Membership includes discounts and scholarship opportunities
Cons
- No collective bargaining power
- Dues are relatively high compared to alternatives
- The union engages in political advocacy that may not reflect the views of all members
Little Rock Education Association (LREA)
Leadership
- President: Kristy Mosby
- Vice President: Roy Vaughn
- Treasurer: LaKeitha Austin
- Secretary: Megan Prettyman
Organization
LREA is the local affiliate of the AEA/NEA representing teachers and staff in the Little Rock School District. The organization no longer holds collective bargaining power but continues to advocate for members and district policies.
Member Dues
Teachers pay around $800 per year in dues as of 2023. Support staff pay roughly $400 annually. A portion of dues supports local activities, while the rest goes to the state and national union.
Meetings
The Little Rock Education Association holds regular meetings for its members and representatives. There are generally monthly membership meetings or Representative Council meetings where building representatives and union officers discuss issues and update members.
Requirements
LREA membership is open to employees of the Little Rock School District. Both certified teachers and classified staff, including paraprofessionals and support staff, are eligible to join. To join, educators must sign up and agree to pay dues.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Advocates locally for Little Rock School District teachers
- Provides legal and grievance support for workplace issues
- Fosters professional community within the school district
Cons
- The union does not have collective bargaining power
- Some teachers may feel that the cost of dues is not affordable or worth it
- Political advocacy may not align with all members
Exercise Your Rights
Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.