Mississippi Teachers Unions

Mississippi is a right-to-work state, meaning public school teachers cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues. Several organizations still operate to support and represent educators, including the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), the American Federation of Teachers Mississippi (AFT-MS), and the Jackson Federation of Teachers (JFT). None have collective bargaining power, but each offers varying levels of advocacy and professional support.

Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE)

Leadership

• President: Dr. Darien Spann
• Vice President: Dalisay Louise Smith
• Executive Director: Erica Webber Jones

Organization
MAE is the Mississippi affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA). It has about 8,000 K–12 educators and other public school employees as members, focusing on advocacy for public education, professional development, and member support. MAE is the oldest educator organization in the state.

Member Dues
Annual dues for full-time certified teachers typically run several hundred dollars. The exact amount varies by category but includes local, state, and national NEA dues. MAE offers early enrollment incentives for new members.

Meetings
MAE holds an annual Representative Assembly where members vote on policy and elect leadership. Local chapters may also meet regularly. The organization hosts professional development workshops, advocacy events, and legislative days.

Requirements
Membership is open to public K–12 educators, support staff, administrators, retired educators, and student teachers. Joining the union is voluntary and not required for employment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• MAE’s affiliation with NEA offers members a national platform, advocacy resources, and legislative influence.
• Members receive up to $3 million in liability insurance, legal assistance, life insurance, and access to discount programs.
• MAE members participate in lobbying efforts, policy development, and local organizing.

Cons

• Dues are more expensive than independent associations, which may deter budget-conscious educators.
• MAE cannot negotiate contracts with school districts and its advocacy is limited to lobbying and public campaigns, not formal labor negotiations.
• TEducators may be uncomfortable with the organization’s political activity, especially if they disagree with NEA stances.

American Federation of Teachers Mississippi (AFT-MS)

Leadership

• AFT-President: Geraldine Bender
• AFT-Secretary-Treasurer: Linda Williams
• AFT Executive Vice President: Nancy Kent

Organization
AFT-MS is the state federation of the American Federation of Teachers. It has a long history of educator advocacy in Mississippi but currently has a limited presence, centered on the Jackson area. It is part of the AFL-CIO and affiliated with AFT national.

Member Dues
Members pay dues that support their local chapter, the state federation, and the national AFT. Because Mississippi law prohibits payroll deduction of union dues for public employees, AFT members pay by direct bank draft or credit card.

Meetings
AFT-MS coordinates with its locals and holds executive meetings. Delegates may attend the AFT National Convention. Most activities occur at the local level, especially within the Jackson Federation of Teachers.

Requirements
Membership is open to educators and school employees, primarily within districts with an AFT local presence. Joining the union is voluntary and district-specific.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Members gain access to national AFT resources, benefits, and support including legal, training, and organizing resources.
• AFT-MS led past efforts for sick leave, class size caps, and teacher pay raises in Mississippi.
• In active areas, AFT provides direct support and peer representation during conflicts with school administration.

Cons

• AFT-MS has limited membership and reach. The Jackson area is currently the only region with an active local chapter.
• Like all state unions, AFT-MS cannot negotiate binding contracts, so influence is limited to advocacy and informal discussions.

Jackson Federation of Teachers

Leadership

• President: Ebony Rice
• Vice President: Joshua Strong

Organization
JFT is the local AFT chapter serving the Jackson Public School District and surrounding areas. It is the only active AFT local in Mississippi, offering representation, support, and a collective voice for Jackson-area educators and school staff.

Member Dues
Dues are set by the local and include allocations to AFT-MS and AFT national. Teachers pay monthly dues roughly equivalent to about 1% of an early-career teacher’s salary. Mississippi does not allow payroll deductions for union dues, so JFT members have their dues auto-drafted from their bank accounts or charged to a card each month.

Meetings
JFT holds regular membership meetings, board meetings, and committee gatherings. It organizes trainings, advocacy campaigns, and attends school board meetings to represent member concerns.

Requirements
Membership is open to certified and classified employees in Jackson Public Schools and surrounding districts. This includes teachers, aides, clerical staff, and others. Joining JFT is voluntary and requires following the union’s code of ethics and paying dues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• JFT provides in-person support, including representation during workplace issues and disciplinary hearings.
• The union amplifies teachers’ voices on policy and district matters, and has influenced improvements to working conditions in Jackson Public Schools.
• Members benefit from national programs, professional development, and discount perks through AFT.

Cons

• JFT only serves Jackson-area schools, so educators outside this region cannot access its benefits.
• The union cannot negotiate contracts and strikes are prohibited by law, limiting the union’s bargaining power.
• JFT relies heavily on volunteer leadership and has fewer financial resources than larger unions.

Exercise Your Rights

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