New Hampshire Teachers Unions

Educators in New Hampshire are primarily represented by the National Education Association New Hampshire (NEA-NH) and the American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire (AFT-NH). Both unions are affiliates of national organizations and operate through local associations that represent educators in contract negotiations, workplace issues, and policy matters. Together, they represent tens of thousands of educators and school staff across the state.

National Education Association New Hampshire (NEA-NH)

Leadership

• President: Megan Tuttle
• Vice President: Carolyn Leite
• Secretary/Treasurer: Jacob Goodwin
• Executive Director: Rick Trombly

Organization
NEA-NH is the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA). It was originally founded in 1854 and became a charter member of the NEA in 1857. NEA-NH is the largest teachers union in the state, representing approximately 17,000 members, including classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, education support professionals, higher education faculty, and retired and aspiring educators.

Member Dues
The union uses a unified dues structure in which a member’s payment covers local, state, and national association membership. For full-time public school teachers, annual dues typically range from approximately $600 to $750, depending on the local. Dues are lower for support professionals, part-time educators, and new teachers in their first and second years. These funds support contract negotiations, grievance representation, legal services, member benefits, and professional development.

Meetings
NEA-NH operates under a representative governance model. The Delegate Assembly meets annually to adopt policy positions, approve budgets, and elect officers. Members are represented by locally elected delegates. Between assemblies, an Executive Board composed of elected regional representatives and officers manages union business.

Requirements
Membership is open to any eligible public school educator or education support staff employed in New Hampshire public schools, as well as aspiring educators and retirees. Members must pay dues and follow NEA-NH’s bylaws to remain in good standing. Membership is voluntary. Non-members remain covered by union-negotiated contracts but are not entitled to vote or receive member benefits such as legal representation or liability insurance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• NEA-NH provides collective bargaining strength to help secure better salaries, benefits, and working conditions for public educators.
• Members receive legal representation and assistance in employment-related disputes and disciplinary actions.
• Through the NEA, members have a national platform for advocacy in education policy and access to national benefits programs.
• The union offers professional development resources and support services tailored to New Hampshire educators.

Cons

• Full-time members pay several hundred dollars annually in dues, which may be a financial burden for some educators.
• Some members may disagree with the union’s policy stances or lobbying efforts supported through dues-funded activities.
• Union-negotiated contracts apply to all bargaining unit employees, limiting individual negotiation for alternative terms.
• Seniority-based protections may limit flexibility or the ability to reward performance individually.

American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire (AFT-NH)

Leadership

• President: Deb Howes
• Vice President:: Ryan Richman
• Secretary: Carrie Feyler
• Treasurer: Alex Luhtjarv

Organization
AFT-NH is the New Hampshire affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and part of the AFL-CIO. It currently covers approximately 3,500 members, including public school teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, and municipal employees. The union is organized as a federation of local unions in districts such as Nashua, Rochester, and Timberlane. It also represents higher education faculty and non-K–12 public sector employees in some areas.

Member Dues
AFT-NH uses a dues structure that includes contributions to local, state, and national levels. Dues vary by local union and role, but full-time teacher members generally pay between $500 and $600 annually. Dues fund services such as bargaining, legal support, grievance assistance, training, and statewide advocacy.

Meetings
The union holds a biennial convention attended by delegates from local affiliates to elect officers and set statewide policy. Between conventions, an Executive Board composed of local presidents and statewide officers governs the union’s operations. The union also hosts workshops, trainings, and policy briefings, and coordinates legislative action efforts with its members.

Requirements
Membership is open to employees in bargaining units represented by AFT-NH-affiliated locals. Members must remain in good standing and pay dues. Membership is voluntary, and non-members are still covered by collective bargaining agreements but do not have access to union voting rights, legal representation, or national benefits programs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• AFT-NH provides support for contract negotiations and grievance representation.
• Members receive legal assistance and advocacy in cases involving discipline, dismissal, or contract enforcement.
• The union’s affiliation with AFT connects members to national-level policy discussions and benefit programs.
• AFT-NH supports professional development, leadership training, and access to financial and insurance products through AFT+ programs.

Cons

• Yearly dues can cost several hundred dollars, which may be a concern for educators with limited income.
• Some members may not agree with the union’s lobbying efforts or political positions taken at the state or national level.
• Seniority-based rules and uniform contract terms may reduce flexibility in assignments or individualized recognition.
• Union participation may require supporting group decisions or priorities that differ from personal views.

Exercise Your Rights

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