Colorado Teachers Unions

The Colorado Education Association (CEA) and the American Federation of Teachers Colorado (AFT Colorado) represent many educators in Colorado. CEA is the state’s largest teachers union, affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), and focuses on collective bargaining, legislative advocacy, and professional development. AFT Colorado, is part of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and prioritizes labor rights and workplace protections while advocating for improved working conditions and educational standards. Both organizations work to engage teachers to join their unions and get active on state, local and federal political issues.

Colorado Education Association (CEA)

Leadership

  • President: Kevin Vick
  • Vice President: Liz Waddick
  • Executive Director: Kooper Caraway

Organization
The Colorado Education Association (CEA) is a statewide federation representing nearly 40,000 K-12 teachers, education support professionals, higher education staff, retired educators, and students preparing to become educators. Founded in 1875, CEA is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), America’s largest education union.

Member Dues
CEA membership dues vary by district and position but typically range from $600 to $1,000 annually. This includes local, state, and national association fees.

Meetings
CEA holds regular meetings, including annual state conventions, regional meetings, and local chapter gatherings where members discuss union initiatives and vote on policies.

Requirements
To become a member of CEA, individuals must be certified educators or school staff members employed in Colorado. Prospective members can apply for membership either online or through a local chapter. Membership provides access to professional development, legal support and voting on local and state officers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • CEA offers members the opportunity to engage in collective bargaining and provides access to legal representation and liability insurance.
  • Professional development opportunities are also available for educators to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.

Cons

  • Membership comes with high annual dues, which may be a financial burden for some.
  • Most of the benefits negotiated by the union are available to all teachers, regardless of membership status.
  • Educators may disagree with the union’s political affiliations and advocacy efforts.

American Federation of Teachers Colorado (AFT Colorado)

Leadership

  • President: Bernadette Jiron
  • Secretary-Treasurer: Sarah Mesmer
  • Executive Vice President: Katherine Dorman

Organization
AFT Colorado is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and represents educators, paraprofessionals, and higher education staff in the state. It advocates for public education funding, teacher rights, and policy changes.

Member Dues
AFT Colorado dues vary by local chapter and position but typically range between $500 and $900 annually.

Meetings
AFT Colorado hosts annual conferences, local chapter meetings, and training sessions for members.

Requirements
Educators, school staff, and higher education professionals in Colorado are eligible to join AFT Colorado. Membership applications can be submitted online or through local union chapters. Members gain access to legal protection, professional training, and policy advocacy efforts.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • AFT Colorado provides legal support and workplace protections, ensuring that educators have representation in labor disputes.
  • Members benefit from professional development and networking opportunities, which can help them grow within the education field.
  • The union also advocates for increased public school funding, which can lead to better resources and salaries for educators.

Cons

  • AFT Colorado requires paying significant dues, which may not be justifiable for all educators.
  • The union has a more limited influence in some districts compared to CEA, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
  • Some members may not align with the union’s political positions, making membership less appealing for those who prefer to remain neutral in educational policy debates.

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