Kansas Teachers Unions

Kansas is a right-to-work state, which means teachers do not have to join a union or pay dues to keep their jobs. The Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) represents educators through collective bargaining, professional development, and education policy advocacy. AFT-Kansas, affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, supports teachers and other public employees with workplace rights, training, and legislative advocacy. Both unions offer resources and legal support, but membership is voluntary and requires annual dues, which teachers should consider when deciding whether to join.

Kansas National Education Association (KNEA)

Leadership

• President: Sherri Schwanz
• Vice President: Kimberly Howard
• Treasurer: Jonathan Eshnaur

Organization
KNEA is the state affiliate of the NEA and represents public school teachers and education professionals statewide. It provides collective bargaining support, legal resources, advocacy, and professional development.

Member Dues
Annual dues for full-time KNEA members are approximately $600–$700. This total includes local, state, and national NEA dues. Actual amounts can vary slightly year to year and by full/part-time status. Dues are typically deducted across pay periods or paid via automatic payment plans.

Meetings
KNEA holds a statewide Representative Assembly once a year, where delegates from local affiliates meet to set policies, elect officers, and vote on resolutions. The KNEA Board of Directors meets regularly to conduct organizational business. KNEA also sponsors regional and statewide conferences, trainings, and workshops throughout the year for members.

Requirements
Membership is open to Kansas public school employees in professional education roles. To be a voting member, you must be a K-12 public school educator or other eligible employee and pay the required dues. Kansas is a right-to-work state, so teachers are not required to join a union or pay fees as a condition of employment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• KNEA provides collective bargaining representation and professional negotiators to secure salaries, benefits, and working condition improvements.
• Members receive liability insurance and legal assistance for work-related employment issues.
• The organization offers professional development opportunities, mentoring programs, and access to NEA member benefits.
• KNEA advocates for education funding and teacher rights at both the state and local levels.

Cons

• Membership dues are relatively expensive for teachers, especially early-career educators.
• The union engages in political advocacy, which may not align with every member’s personal views.
• Membership cancellations are limited to specific opt-out windows, reducing flexibility for teachers who wish to leave.
• The quality of local affiliate support can vary depending on the size and activity of each local chapter.

American Federation of Teachers – Kansas (AFT-Kansas)

Leadership

• President: Ron Hobert
• Vice President: Katie Warren
• Treasurer: Anjelica Huber
• Secretary Robert Castleberry

Organization
AFT-Kansas is the state federation of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Kansas. It evolved from the Kansas Association of Public Employees (KAPE) and now encompasses numerous AFT local unions across the state. The union coordinates and supports its locals in collective bargaining, member training, and legislative advocacy. The organization emphasizes public service and social justice, in line with AFT’s national mission.

Member Dues
Membership dues in AFT-Kansas vary by the specific local and member type. For K-12 teachers who belong to an AFT-KS local, dues typically include the national portion, the state portion, and any local fees. A full-time teacher in an AFT-KS-affiliated local might pay roughly $500-600 per year in combined dues if only part of AFT. State dues for full-time members are a few hundred dollars per year, typically around $200-$300, in addition to AFT national dues which are similar.

Meetings
AFT-Kansas holds periodic state federation meetings and an annual convention where delegates from all the local unions come together. In these meetings, AFT-KS leadership is elected and strategy and policies are set. The AFT-Kansas Executive Board meets multiple times a year to coordinate state-level actions and provide guidance to locals.

Requirements
Membership in AFT-Kansas is obtained by joining one of its local unions. For teachers, that means you need to be an employee in a district or institution where an AFT local exists. To join, an educator or public employee signs a membership form committing to AFT membership and dues. There are also membership categories for retiree members and, in some cases, associate members. Like KNEA, AFT-KS membership is voluntary and not a job requirement.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• AFT-Kansas offers experienced negotiators and legal assistance for members facing workplace issues.
• Members have access to professional development programs and AFT’s national benefits.
• The organization represents multiple public employee groups, increasing its influence and advocacy power.
• AFT-Kansas engages in legislative advocacy and labor solidarity efforts across public sectors.

Cons

• AFT-Kansas has fewer K-12 teacher locals compared to NEA-affiliated unions, limiting representation in some areas.
• The union’s political positions may not reflect every member’s individual beliefs.
• Attention and resources may be divided because it represents multiple sectors beyond K-12 teachers.
• Teacher membership networks are smaller outside of major urban areas, reducing peer support in smaller districts.

Exercise Your Rights

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