Pennsylvania Teachers Unions

Educators in Pennsylvania are represented by two major unions: AFT Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). AFT Pennsylvania, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), advocates for its members by focusing on better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Local affiliates like the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) handle district-specific negotiations.

The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) is the largest public sector union in the state and is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA). PSEA works with local affiliates to support public education, secure funding and improve working conditions. Both teachers unions play a key role in shaping education policy and advocating for educators’ rights throughout the state. They are deeply involved in political advocacy, pushing for more money for public education but also taking stands on controversial social issues as well as generally for higher taxes and spending.

Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)

Leadership

  • President: Aaron Chapin
  • Vice President: Jeff Ney
  • Treasurer: Rachel West
  • Executive Director: Jim Vaughan

Organization
The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) is a statewide labor union with an organizational structure that supports both local and regional representation. It is governed by a Board of Directors, which consists of elected representatives from various regions and job categories. The PSEA House of Delegates, made up of elected delegates from local associations, is the highest decision-making body and meets regularly to set policy, elect officers and determine the direction of the union.

PSEA operates through local affiliates across Pennsylvania, which represent educators at the school district level. Local affiliates handle day-to-day issues, contract negotiations and member concerns within their areas. In addition to regional structures, PSEA has committees and special groups focused on specific areas, such as professional development, legal services and political advocacy.

Member Dues
The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) requires members to pay annual dues which can vary depending on the member’s employment status and their local association’s dues structure. Typically, annual dues for full-time teachers range from $700 to $1,000, which includes contributions to both the state PSEA and the National Education Association (NEA).

Meetings
The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) holds meetings at various levels. The House of Delegates meets twice a year in the spring and fall to set policies and elect officers. The Board of Directors meets several times a year to handle governance between delegate meetings.

Local affiliates often meet monthly or quarterly to address district-specific concerns and contract negotiations, while committees and special groups meet regularly or as needed, depending on their focus.

Requirements
To join the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), individuals must be employed in an education-related position in Pennsylvania. This includes K-12 teachers, education support staff, higher education faculty, or a student studying to become an educator.

Membership typically requires joining both the local PSEA-affiliated association and the state PSEA. Members are required to pay dues, uphold the professional and ethical standards of the organization and support its mission to advocate for public education and educators’ rights.

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Pros and Cons

  • Pros: PSEA works to secure better wages and working conditions through collective bargaining, while also providing legal support in employment disputes. The union advocates on education policies and provides access to training and career development resources.
  • Cons: Members are required to pay annual dues which may be a financial strain for some educators. The union is heavily involved in political advocacy that some members may oppose.

American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania (AFT Pennsylvania)

Leadership

  • President: Arthur Steinberg
  • Executive Vice President: Nina Esposito-Visgitis
  • Treasurer: LeShawna Coleman
  • Secretary: Wendy G. Coleman

Organization
AFT Pennsylvania is structured with leadership at both the state and local levels. At the state level, the union is governed by an Executive Council, which includes a President, Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, all of whom are elected by union members at the biennial state convention. The Executive Council sets policy, oversees the union’s strategic direction and coordinates statewide initiatives.

At the local level, affiliates of the larger state organization represent educators, school staff, and public employees in various districts and workplaces. Each local affiliate has its own leadership, including a Local President and other officers who manage local negotiations, address member concerns and ensure that the local’s needs are represented at the state level.

Member Dues
Union dues for American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania (AFT Pennsylvania) vary based on the member’s role (e.g., full-time teacher, part-time educator, or support staff) and the specific local union chapter.

Annual dues for full-time teachers typically cost around $500 to $900, depending on local agreements and affiliation with the national AFT. These dues support collective bargaining, legal assistance and professional development.

Meetings
The AFT Pennsylvania Executive Board holds regular meetings throughout the year to handle ongoing governance and decision-making. Statewide conventions typically occur every two years, where delegates gather to set policies, elect officers and discuss union strategy.

Local affiliates usually meet monthly or quarterly to address local concerns, contract negotiations, and member issues.

Various committees and special groups may meet as needed depending on their focus areas, such as professional development or advocacy.

Requirements
To join the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania (AFT Pennsylvania), individuals must be employed in an eligible education or public service role, such as a K-12 teacher, school support staff, higher education faculty or other public employees in Pennsylvania.

Membership requires joining both the local AFT-affiliated chapter and AFT Pennsylvania, with dues that vary based on job role and local agreements. Members are expected to follow the union’s professional standards and support its mission of advocating for workers’ rights, public education and fair labor practices through collective bargaining and political action.

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Pros and Cons

  • Pros: The union works to ensure fair treatment for educators by negotiating wages and benefits. Members are supported with legal representation and advocacy for education policies, along with opportunities for professional growth through workshops and training.
  • Cons: Annual union fees may be deemed too expensive and the organization’s political activities may not be supported by all members. Individual influence is often limited and local support can vary by district.

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