New Mexico Teachers Unions

Educators in New Mexico are primarily represented by NEA-New Mexico and AFT New Mexico. Both unions work to secure stronger pay and benefits, improve classroom and workplace conditions, and push for greater investment in public schools. While their memberships overlap in purpose, NEA-New Mexico is traditionally larger, and AFT New Mexico includes not only K–12 teachers but also higher education faculty, support staff, and healthcare professionals.

NEA-New Mexico (National Education Association of New Mexico)

Leadership

• President: Bethany Jarrell
• Vice President: Jennifer Trujillo

Organization
NEA-New Mexico is the state affiliate of the National Education Association. It represents public school educators and support staff across New Mexico and has been active for over 125 years. NEA-NM focuses on promoting equity and excellence in education statewide and advocating for teachers’ rights and professional standards. Approximately 5,500 K-12 employees are represented by NEA-NM across various school districts.

Member Dues
Membership costs include local, state, and national portions. The state portion is 0.7% of salary, with total dues typically ranging from $600 to $800 annually depending on district and position.

Meetings
NEA-New Mexico holds a statewide Delegate Council/Convention once a year, where elected delegates from local chapters vote on policies, resolutions, and officer elections. In addition to the convention, the union convenes regional leadership meetings and statewide training sessions periodically throughout the year. Local affiliates generally meet monthly, either through site representatives or formal union meetings, and they host annual membership meetings for votes on contracts, budgets, or officer positions.

Requirements
Membership in NEA-New Mexico is open to public school educators and certain support professionals within New Mexico’s K–12 system. Teachers and staff typically join through their local NEA affiliate, which automatically enrolls them at both the state and national levels. Eligibility generally requires employment with a public school district or educational entity affiliated with NEA.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• NEA-NM negotiates contracts that can improve pay, benefits, and working conditions.
• The union provides members with access to legal representation, liability insurance, and professional development opportunities.
• The organization advocates at the state legislature for funding and policy changes that support educators and public schools.

Cons

• Union dues can be up to several hundred dollars per year, which may pose a financial burden for some educators.
• NEA-NM often engages in political activity that some members may not support.
• Because contracts are collectively negotiated, individual teachers cannot bargain separately for employment terms.

AFT New Mexico (American Federation of Teachers New Mexico)

Leadership

• President: Whitney (Muziani) Holland
• Vice President: Kathy Chavez

Organization
AFT New Mexico is the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, one of the largest national labor unions in the country. The union represents a diverse membership that goes beyond classroom teachers, including school support staff, librarians, school nurses, higher education faculty, and even some healthcare professionals. Approximately 25,000 members are represented through about 30 local unions and chapters statewide.

Member Dues
Membership dues vary depending on the local chapter and salary level. For full-time teachers, dues typically fall between $600 and $700 annually. The total includes contributions to local, state, and national affiliates and is usually collected through payroll deduction.

Meetings
AFT New Mexico holds a biennial state convention, where delegates from local unions gather to elect state officers, establish policies, and adopt resolutions. Between conventions, the executive board meets regularly to set strategy and coordinate statewide initiatives.

Requirements
Membership is open to educators and eligible employees in school districts, colleges, or workplaces with an AFT-affiliated local. Individuals typically join by signing up through their local chapter, which automatically enrolls them at the state and national levels.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• AFT New Mexico negotiates for competitive pay, benefits, and workplace protections on behalf of its members.
• The union provides professional development, mentoring opportunities, and liability insurance for educators and support staff.
• Members collectively advocate at both the state and local levels for increased education funding and policy reforms.

Cons

• Annual dues can represent a significant expense, particularly for newer or lower-paid educators.
• The union frequently engages in political activity, and its endorsements or lobbying efforts may not align with all members’ personal views.
• Teachers who wish to opt out of membership are often restricted to narrow annual windows, which can limit flexibility.

Exercise Your Rights

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