South Carolina Teachers Unions

South Carolina teachers unions are professional organizations that represent public school educators across the state. The two main unions are The South Carolina Education Association (SCEA) and AFT South Carolina. These groups support teachers, school staff, and education professionals through advocacy, legal support, and professional resources. Officially, collective bargaining is not allowed for public employees in South Carolina, but both unions are private membership organizations that advocate about a variety of political and policy issues.

South Carolina Education Association (SCEA)

Leadership

• President: Dena Renee Crews
• Vice President: Dr. Karen Greene
• Secretary-Treasurer: Roselyn Green

Organization
The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) is governed by a Board of Directors and a Representative Assembly made up of delegates from across the state. As the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), The SCEA advocates for public school educators through legislative action, legal support, and professional development.

Member Dues
The SCEA charges annual dues based on employment status, with full-time educators typically paying between $490 and $540 per year depending on the local’s dues rate. These funds support legal protection, professional development, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving working conditions and advancing public education in South Carolina.

Meetings
The SCEA holds various meetings throughout the year to address organizational policies, professional development, and member concerns. The union also hosts events like the Summer Leadership Academy and the Educational Support Professionals (ESP) Conference. Local associations also hold regular meetings to discuss district-specific matters and coordinate advocacy efforts.

Requirements
To join the South Carolina Education Association, individuals must be educators, education support professionals, or students preparing for a career in education. Membership requires completing an application and paying annual dues based on employment status. To remain in good standing, paying dues and following the organization’s member policies is required.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affiliation with the NEA offers access to national resources and influence in education policy.
• Members receive legal assistance, professional development opportunities, and workplace advocacy.
• Local associations provide support tailored to district-specific needs.

Cons

• South Carolina prohibits collective bargaining, limiting the union’s ability to negotiate contracts.
• Some educators may prefer organizations with a stronger focus on classroom-level support.
• Broader advocacy efforts may not align with every educator’s priorities.

American Federation of Teachers South Carolina (AFT South Carolina)

Leadership

• AFT President: Randi Weingarten
• AFT Secretary-Treasurer: Fredrick C. Ingram
• AFT Executive Vice President: Evelyn DeJesus

Organization
The American Federation of Teachers South Carolina (AFT-SC) is a state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). While smaller than other educator organizations in the state, AFT-SC promotes fair working conditions, public education funding, and the rights of school employees. It is part of AFT’s Southern region, which helps coordinate efforts across the state.

Member Dues
AFT South Carolina offers associate memberships starting at $70 per year, with an upgraded option available for $132 annually. The higher-tier plan includes added benefits like liability insurance and legal defense coverage. Membership dues help fund legal support, training opportunities, and advocacy efforts to protect school employees and strengthen public education across the state.

Meetings
AFT-SC hosts annual meetings that may include executive board sessions, general membership gatherings, and committee meetings focused on advocacy, policy, and professional development. These meetings typically involve discussions about organizational goals, workplace issues, and education-related legislation.

Requirements
To join AFT South Carolina, individuals must work in education or a related field and submit an application along with paying annual dues. To maintain good standing, members must keep dues current and are encouraged to participate in meetings and union activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides legal support, advocacy, and training to help members grow in their careers.
• Offers opportunities to engage in national education policy through its connection to AFT.
• Members can access a broad network of educators for collaboration and support.

Cons

• Smaller statewide presence may reduce its influence on major education issues.
• Limited local chapters can result in less direct, on-the-ground support for some members.
• Not all districts have active representation, which may impact member engagement.

Exercise Your Rights

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