Oregon Teachers Unions

Oregon’s two primary teachers unions are the Oregon Education Association (OEA) and AFT-Oregon. The OEA is the larger of the two, representing most K–12 public school teachers across the state.
AFT-Oregon represents a smaller number of teachers, primarily in charter schools, community colleges, and higher education. Both unions negotiate contracts, advocate for education policy, and offer support services to their members—but their size, focus, and political influence vary.

Oregon Education Association (OEA)

Leadership

• President: Reed Scott-Schwalbach
• Vice President: Enrique Farrera
• Executive Director: Tracey-Ann Nelson

Organization
OEA is the largest education union in Oregon, representing about 41,000 public school educators (pre-K–12 teachers, specialists, support staff) and community college faculty statewide. The union is the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA). Every Oregon school district and several community colleges have an OEA local chapter.

Member Dues
Dues cost roughly $1,000 per year for a full-time teacher (covers local, state, and NEA national dues) For 2022–23, the OEA portion was about $678 and NEA dues $204, with the remainder local dues.

Meetings
OEA’s primary governing meeting is the Representative Assembly (RA) held annually in spring, where hundreds of elected delegates from around the state set union policies and elect officers. Ongoing governance is via an elected Board of Directors and committees that meet periodically. OEA also hosts regional workshops and an annual statewide conference for members.

Requirements
Membership is open to any licensed educator or education support professional employed in an OEA-affiliated school district or community college. Joining requires signing a membership form as union membership is not automatic with employment. Retired educators and student teachers can join as non-voting/associate members.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• OEA negotiates pay scales, benefits, and work conditions through its local associations. The union also provides representation if contracts are violated or members need an advocate to defend them in disciplinary meetings.
• Membership includes liability insurance and legal support in job-related matters.
• Union members can network and share best practices with more than 40,000 educators across the state.

Cons

• Full membership is a significant financial commitment, which can be a burden for lower-paid or part-time educators.
• OEA engages in extensive political activity, including lobbying and campaign endorsements, which all members may not agree with.
• The organization supports strikes or walkouts when bargaining negotiations escalate, which can be polarizing.

American Federation of Teachers Oregon (AFT Oregon)

Leadership

• President: Ariana Jacob
• Executive Vice President: Thea Cooper

Organization
AFT-Oregon is the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO). It represents over 18,000 Oregon educators and school employees across K–12 school districts, community colleges, and universities.

Unlike OEA, AFT-Oregon’s membership includes some K–12 bargaining units (primarily classified staff and charter/virtual academy teachers), many higher education faculty unions (e.g. at Oregon universities and community colleges), graduate employee unions, and others.

Member Dues
AFT-Oregon members pay monthly dues to their local, which include per-capita fees to AFT-Oregon and the national AFT. The national AFT dues are roughly $242 per year for a full-time member as of 2023.

The state and local portions vary by local union. In total, a full-time teacher or faculty member in an AFT local can expect on the order of $800–$1000 annually in dues, which is comparable to NEA-affiliated unions.

Meetings
AFT-Oregon holds an annual convention each spring, where delegates from all affiliated locals convene. At the convention, officers are elected (every two years) and resolutions and constitutional amendments are adopted.

Between conventions, the federation’s Executive Council meets regularly to oversee operations. Individual AFT locals also have their own membership meetings and governing boards according to their bylaws.

Requirements
Educators and school employees must join through an affiliated local union. Eligibility depends on the job category and bargaining unit. For instance, AFT-Oregon locals include classified (non-teaching) school staff in some districts, faculty and academic staff at colleges, graduate teaching/research assistants, and a few K–12 teacher groups (like virtual academy teachers).

Active membership is voluntary and open to employees in those bargaining units who sign up and pay dues. There are also AFT-Oregon retiree members and associate memberships for community allies, but the core membership is working educational professionals.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• AFT-Oregon provides union representation to groups not covered by OEA. It also represents many classified school employees (such as teaching aides, office staff, custodians) in districts like Portland, Hillsboro, and others.
• The union provides resources and staff to assist local negotiations aimed at improving wages and working conditions.
• Many AFT-Oregon locals are relatively small, which can allow for tight-knit solidarity.

Cons

• For a K–12 teacher considering union options, AFT may simply not be available in their district (unless they teach at a charter or virtual academy that AFT has organized).
• AFT-Oregon members face dues obligations similar to other unions, which can be a financial strain.
• The union is smaller and less resourced than OEA in terms of staff and funds. This can be a disadvantage in big political fights or when providing member services.

Exercise Your Rights

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