Kentucky Teachers Unions

Kentucky educators have two primary union options: the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) and KY120 United-AFT. KEA is the long-standing statewide union affiliated with the NEA, offering professional support and advocacy through a traditional structure. KY120 United-AFT is a newer, grassroots union focused on activism and organizing, with lower dues and a broader public employee base.

Kentucky Education Association (KEA)

Leadership

• President: Joel Wolford
• Vice President: Jessica Hiler

Organization
KEA is the statewide professional educators’ association in Kentucky, representing over 40,000 teachers and school staff across the Commonwealth. As the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), KEA advocates for public education funding, teacher salaries, and school policies at the state level.

Member Dues
Annual dues for full-time teachers are approximately $618. This covers state and national NEA membership, but does not include any additional local chapter fees. Local affiliates set their own dues, so the total cost can be higher (often $600–$800+ per year in combined local, state, and national dues).

Meetings
KEA holds an annual Delegate Assembly where elected representatives from local chapters statewide meet to set policies and vote on resolutions. It also sends delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly each year.

Between these conferences, KEA’s Board of Directors and committees meet regularly to conduct the association’s business. KEA also organizes regional meetings, workshops, and advocacy events to keep members informed and engaged.

Requirements
KEA membership is open to public school employees in Kentucky. This includes certified educators (classroom teachers, specialists, etc.), education support professionals (such as aides or bus drivers, via ESP membership categories), retired educators, and even college students in teacher preparation programs. To remain in good standing, members must pay dues and abide by the organization’s bylaws.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• KEA amplifies teachers’ voices at the state level, lobbying for funding, salaries, and pro-education legislation.
• Membership benefits include liability insurance, legal assistance with employment-related matters, and access to training and professional development.
• The union connects educators statewide, providing a professional network and forums to share issues and best practices.

Cons

• Kentucky does not guarantee collective bargaining for teachers, so KEA itself cannot negotiate binding contracts for most districts.
• Full membership dues cost several-hundred-dollars per year. For some educators, the cost may seem high relative to tangible benefits, especially in districts where pay raises and benefits are set by law or school boards regardless of union input.
• KEA engages in political advocacy and often supports specific education policies or candidates. Educators who disagree with the union’s political stance might feel that their dues support initiatives they personally don’t align with.

Kentucky 120 United (KY120 United-AFT)

Leadership

• President: Sarah Fightmaster Bayerle
• Vice President: Sara Green

Organization
Kentucky 120 United is a statewide teachers and public employees union that emerged from the #RedForEd protest movement. Unlike KEA, which is a long-established association, KY120 United is a new union (formed in 2021) affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

KY120 United-AFT’s mission is to push for stronger labor rights, better funding for schools, and fair treatment of public employees. While it does not yet have certified bargaining rights in most workplaces, it serves as an alternative union voice and has been active in rallies, legislative hearings, and public campaigns across Kentucky.

Member Dues
When the union launched its membership drive, it set dues at about $132 per year for new members. Even as KY120 grows, its dues remain generally lower than the traditional association, since it is building capacity and does not yet have the extensive paid staff or infrastructure that KEA and its locals do. However, if the union gains formal collective bargaining roles, dues could increase to support those activities.

Meetings
KY120 United operates somewhat differently from traditional locals. Given its roots as a social media-driven movement, much of its organizing happens via Facebook groups, Zoom calls, and public rallies rather than regular in-person meetings at every school. However, as a union it is establishing structures: there are now local KY120 chapters or units in some counties which hold their own meetings or meet-ups.

Statewide, KY120 United’s leadership convenes strategy meetings to plan campaigns. The organization frequently stages public events including marches, rallies, “days of action,” and informational pickets to engage members and the community.

Requirements
Any public sector employee in Kentucky can join as a member, including K-12 teachers, college professors, non-teaching school staff, state government workers, retirees, and even supporters who don’t currently work in the public sector. To join, an individual signs up via an AFT online form and agrees to pay dues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• KY120 United prides itself on being a union born from activists. Its leaders often say they offer “something with a union backing” and that “unions are full of action” compared to traditional associations.
• KY120’s dues are considerably lower than the dues for KEA and its affiliates. This makes joining more accessible, especially for younger teachers or those on tight budgets.
• By affiliating with the American Federation of Teachers, KY120 United gains access to resources and expertise from a major national union.

Cons

• As of May 2025, KY120 United does not have any negotiated labor contracts with school districts or the state. In most workplaces, it is not the officially recognized bargaining agent.
• Despite a large presence online, KY120’s dues-paying membership is relatively small compared to KEA’s. With limited membership comes limited funds and staffing.
• KY120 United has been very confrontational with state legislators at times, which can carry risks. In a state where public employee strikes are technically illegal and political leaders have attempted to limit union influence, KY120’s tactics might provoke pushback.

Exercise Your Rights

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