Minnesota Teachers Unions

Minnesota teachers unions are professional labor organizations that represent public school educators across the state. The two primary unions are Education Minnesota and the Minnesota Federation of Teachers. These unions include K–12 teachers, school support staff, and higher education faculty. They handle contract negotiations, grievances, and local advocacy efforts on behalf of their members

Education Minnesota

Leadership

• President: Denise Specht
• Vice President: Monica Byron
• Secretary-Treasurer: Rodney Rowe
• Executive Director: Carrie Lucking

Organization
Education Minnesota operates under a structured governance model. An annual Representative Convention, comprising approximately 900 elected delegates, serves as the highest governing body, setting policies and priorities. Between conventions, a 44-member governing board meets monthly to oversee operations, establish budgets, and implement directives. The union’s headquarters are located in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Member Dues
Annual dues for members vary based on local association rates. For example, in the Bloomington School District, the 2018 dues structure included national dues to the NEA and AFT totaling $247.56, state dues to Education Minnesota at $478.00, and local dues of $190.20, which varied by district. This added up to approximately $915.76 per year for members in that district.

Meetings
Education Minnesota hosts various meetings and events throughout the year to support its members. The Annual Representative Convention is the primary gathering where elected delegates set policies and priorities. In addition, governing board meetings are held monthly to manage operations and address emerging issues.

The Minnesota Educator Academy (MEA) is an annual professional development conference held on the third Thursday in October. This event provides educators with workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities to enhance their teaching skills.

Requirements
Membership is open to educators, school staff, and other education professionals working in Minnesota. To join, individuals must be employed in an educational role within the state and pay annual dues, which vary depending on position and local association rates. Members are encouraged to actively participate in union activities, attend meetings, and engage in advocacy efforts to support public education initiatives.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Education Minnesota fights for better salaries, benefits, and improved working conditions.
• Members receive legal protection in disputes with school administrations.
• The union offers access to professional development opportunities including workshops and training sessions to help educators grow in their careers.

Cons

• Membership requires the payment of annual dues, which some educators may find burdensome.
• The union is politically active, which may not align with the views of all members.
• Critics argue the union can sometimes resist certain educational reforms, potentially hindering innovation within schools.

Minnesota Federation of Teachers (MFT)

Leadership

• Teacher Chapter President: Marcia Howard
• ESP Chapter President: Catina Taylor

Organization
MFT is a state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a national union that represents educators and public employees. It works alongside local chapters to support teachers and education professionals at the district level.

Member Dues
Teachers who join MFT pay annual dues that typically range from $600 to $900, depending on their school district and membership level. These dues fund contract negotiations, union operations, and lobbying efforts.

Meetings
MFT holds regular meetings at the local and state levels where members can voice concerns, vote on leadership, and help determine the union’s direction. These meetings provide an opportunity for educators to engage with union representatives and participate in policy discussions.

Requirements
Membership is open to public school teachers, education support professionals, and some education-related workers. However, teachers are not required to join the union to work in Minnesota’s public schools.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Membership offers several advantages including collective bargaining for higher salaries, benefits, and improved working conditions.
• MFT provides professional development programs and networking opportunities to help educators advance their careers.

Cons

• Dues are costly, with a portion allocated to political lobbying, which may not align with every teacher’s beliefs.
• Educators who opt out of the union must follow contracts negotiated by MFT, limiting their ability to negotiate individual terms.

Exercise Your Rights

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