Arizona Teachers Unions

Two key unions represent public school educators in Arizona— the Arizona Education Association (AEA) and the American Federation of Teachers Arizona (AFT Arizona). These organizations are dedicated to improving salaries, working conditions, and educational policies for teachers and support staff statewide. The AEA focuses on collective bargaining, legal support, and professional development, while AFT Arizona emphasizes advocacy in education policy and labor rights.

Both unions play critical roles in influencing local and state policies, ensuring that educators’ voices are heard in important decisions. Understanding how these unions function offers valuable insight into how your union dues are used, as well as your rights and opportunities as a member

Arizona Education Association (AEA)

Leadership

  • President: Marisol Garcia
  • Vice President: Angela Philpot
  • Secretary-Treasurer: Amber Gould

Organization
The Arizona Education Association (AEA) is made up of two key bodies: the Representative Assembly and the Delegate Assembly. The Representative Assembly focuses on representing the AEA at the national level within the National Education Association (NEA) while the Delegate Assembly acts as the governing body for the AEA. Delegates are selected from local unions, and the executive positions within the AEA are filled by members chosen from the Delegate Assembly.

Member Dues
NEA dues are around $200, while Arizona Education Association (AEA) Associate Membership costs $48 per year. This membership is open to anyone supporting public education who isn’t eligible for other categories. Associate members get benefits like the AEA Advocate magazine, access to the members-only website, and AEA political endorsements. However, they cannot vote or hold positions in the association.

Meetings
The Arizona Education Association (AEA) holds meetings at both the local and state levels. Local chapters usually meet on a regular basis to discuss issues relevant to their specific schools or districts.

At the state level, the AEA holds an annual meeting of its Representative Assembly, where delegates from across Arizona come together to set policies, approve budgets, and determine the organization’s direction.

Additionally, the AEA Board of Directors meets more frequently, often monthly or bi-monthly, to oversee operations and respond to current issues affecting educators.

Requirements
To join the Arizona Education Association (AEA), members must be employed in education, such as teachers or support staff in Arizona’s K-12 schools or higher education institutions. Membership is typically obtained through a local AEA affiliate and members are required to pay dues to support collective bargaining, legal support, professional development and other union activities.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Membership includes legal services, $1,000 life insurance, student loan options, home and auto insurance discounts, online shopping deals, and early sign-up discounts.
  • Cons: Drawbacks include paying dues, limited local impact, political positions, delayed results, and required participation in some areas.

American Federation of Teachers Arizona (AFT Arizona)

Leadership

  • President: Ralph Quintana
  • Vice President: Pam Huff
  • Treasurer: Kristin O’Leary
  • Executive Director & Lobbyist: Misty C. Arthur

Organization
AFT Arizona is organized into local unions that represent educators and staff at various districts and institutions. These local unions elect delegates who serve at the state level, forming the decision-making body for the organization. AFT Arizona is affiliated with the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and its leadership represents Arizona educators at the national level.

Member Dues
Dues for AFT Arizona vary depending on the local union, but generally include both state and national AFT fees. Membership offers benefits such as professional development opportunities, legal support, access to advocacy resources, and political endorsements.

Meetings
AFT Arizona conducts regular meetings at both local and state levels. Local unions meet to discuss district-specific issues, while AFT Arizona hosts an annual convention where delegates gather to set priorities, debate policies and make key organizational decisions. The executive board meets more frequently to address current concerns and manage ongoing operations.

Requirements
To join AFT Arizona, members must work in education, such as teachers, support staff, or higher education employees. Membership is typically obtained through a local AFT affiliate, and dues are required to support collective bargaining, legal protection, and professional development.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Members benefit from strong political advocacy, legal support, professional development, financial discounts, and representation at both local and national levels.
  • Cons: Dues can be costly, political positions may not align with everyone, local impact varies, and progress on issues can be slow.

Call to Action

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

BEGIN THE OPT-OUT PROCESS

COST SAVINGS

Thinking About Opting Out?

Union membership is expensive… and entirely optional. When every dollar matters in your family budget, a $1,000 per year can make a huge difference.

Opting out is easy. Click on the map to select your state and complete the simple opt out form to generate your Opt Out Letter. Exercise your rights today!

Click on the map to get started…

LEGAL ISSUES? CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US.