Nevada Teachers Unions

Most Nevada public school educators interact with two major organizations, the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) and the Clark County Education Association (CCEA). NSEA is the statewide NEA affiliate that supports local associations and leads state-level advocacy, while CCEA serves as the independent bargaining agent for teachers in Clark County. Nevada is a right to work state, so union membership is voluntary and not required for employment.

Nevada State Education Association (NSEA)

Leadership

• President: Dawn Etcheverry
• Vice President: Brian Wallace

Organization
NSEA is the statewide affiliate of the National Education Association that supports local teacher associations and represents educators at the state capitol. It coordinates legislative advocacy, legal support, and member programs. It does not negotiate local contracts but assists and trains locals that do.

Member Dues
Annual dues for a full-time teacher in Nevada typically total around $700–$800 when combining local, state, and national NEA contributions.

Meetings
NSEA’s Delegate Assembly convenes every two years, with elected delegates from locals statewide. The Board of Directors meets regularly between assemblies. NSEA also runs trainings, conferences, and legislative briefings for members. Local associations hold their own meetings separately.

Requirements
Membership in NSEA is voluntary and open to any licensed educator or educational support professional in Nevada. Teachers typically join through their local county association, which automatically enrolls them into NSEA and the NEA. By law, educators cannot be forced to join or pay dues as a condition of employment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• NSEA provides statewide advocacy and lobbying that individual locals cannot match.
• Members receive legal support resources and liability coverage through NEA membership.
• NSEA offers training, organizing help, and bargaining support for local associations.
• State and national affiliation connects educators to broader professional networks and programs.

Cons

• Membership dues are a significant annual cost for many educators.
• Political advocacy and endorsements may not align with every member’s views.
• Collective bargaining occurs at the local level rather than directly by NSEA.
• Some locals use narrow annual resignation windows that can feel restrictive to members.

Clark County Education Association (CCEA)

Leadership

• President: Marie Neisess
• Vice President: Matthew Nighswonger
• Executive Director: John Vellardita

Organization
CCEA is the independent union for teachers and licensed professionals in the Clark County School District (CCSD), which is Nevada’s largest district. CCEA was formerly affiliated with NSEA/NEA, but disaffiliated in 2018 after disputes with the state association.

Member Dues
CCEA sets its own dues rate since it is not sharing with state or national affiliates. As of 2023, full-time educators in Clark County pay about $846 per year in CCEA dues. CCEA’s dues are among the highest for any local teachers union in Nevada.

Meetings
The Association Representative Council generally meets monthly during the school year. The Executive Board meets regularly to conduct union business. Membership meetings and town halls are called as needed, especially during bargaining. The union also hosts updates and organizing meetings around key campaigns.

Requirements
Membership in CCEA is open to any licensed teacher or certified professional employed by CCSD, including classroom teachers, school counselors, school nurses, speech pathologists, and others. Joining the union is voluntary and new teachers are not automatically enrolled. CCEA membership comes with the obligation to pay dues, but members gain voting rights in union elections and contract ratifications, and access to member-only benefits.

Teachers who opt out of the union are still covered by the CCEA-negotiated contract but cannot participate in internal union votes or get member-exclusive perks. CCEA historically requires that requests to resign membership be submitted in writing between July 1–15 each year, which is something to be aware of for those considering joining or leaving.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• CCEA directly negotiates salaries, benefits, and working conditions for CCSD educators.
• The union’s local focus tailors services, trainings, and support to Clark County needs.
• Organizing capacity and visibility can increase leverage in bargaining and policy debates.
• Members receive local legal assistance and professional representation in disputes.

Cons

• Dues are higher than many alternative options in Nevada.
• Independence means members do not receive NSEA or NEA affiliation or benefits.
• Some members have raised concerns about leadership transparency and priorities.
• Assertive tactics and public disputes can be polarizing among educators and families.

Exercise Your Rights

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