Connecticut Teachers Unions

Educators in Connecticut are primarily represented by the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the American Federation of Teachers Connecticut (AFT Connecticut). Both teachers unions advocate for educators’ rights, focusing on improving salaries, benefits, and working conditions through collective bargaining. Each organization also plays a role in shaping education policy, pushing for better funding for public schools and supporting initiatives that benefit both teachers and students.

Connecticut Education Association (CEA)

Leadership

• President: Kate Dias
• Vice President: Joslyn DeLancey

Organization
The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) is the state’s largest teachers union, representing public school educators from preschool through grade 12. With over 160 local affiliates, the CEA advocates for resources, sets standards for education, and offers professional development opportunities.

The union is governed by a Representative Assembly, which meets annually to set policies and budgets, and a Board of Directors elected by the assembly to provide leadership. The CEA is supported by professional staff and its affiliation with the National Education Association (NEA), which strengthens its advocacy efforts at the national level.

Member Dues
CEA membership dues are calculated based on a percentage of a member’s salary, with the rate set by the organization’s Representative Assembly. Dues are typically paid annually and go toward supporting a variety of services, including collective bargaining, legal assistance, professional development, and advocacy for educational policies.

Meetings
The Connecticut Education Association hosts several meetings and events throughout the year, including advisory sessions, committee gatherings, and executive meetings.

Requirements
To join the CEA, you must be employed in Connecticut’s public education system. Membership is typically obtained through a local CEA affiliate corresponding to the individual’s school district or institution. Members are required to pay annual dues, which support activities like collective bargaining, legal assistance, and professional development. By joining, members agree to abide by the constitution and bylaws of the local association, CEA, and the National Education Association (NEA).

Pros and Cons

• Pros: The CEA provides strong collective bargaining for improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions, along with legal support, professional development, and advocacy for education policies.
• Cons: The CEA requires paying annual dues, which some may find costly. Members in certain districts may feel the union’s impact is limited and active participation may require a significant time commitment.

American Federation of Teachers Connecticut (AFT Connecticut)

Leadership

• President: Jan Hochadel
• Vice President: John Brady, RN
• Secretary/Treasurer: Shawn Brown

Organization
AFT Connecticut is a statewide labor federation representing over 30,000 professionals across education, healthcare, and public service sectors. The organization is made up of more than 90 local unions which advocate for members through collective bargaining, legal support, and policy advocacy.

The union is governed by elected officers and holds a convention every two years to determine policies and elect leadership. With affiliations to the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and AFL-CIO, AFT Connecticut ensures its advocacy efforts reach both state and national levels.

Member Dues
Members of the AFT Connecticut pay annual dues, typically deducted from their paychecks in regular installments. Dues are calculated as a percentage of members’ salaries, ensuring fairness across different income levels. These fees contribute to maintaining the union’s operations and providing member benefits, such as insurance programs and discounts on continuing education.

Meetings
AFT Connecticut hosts regular meetings to promote effective governance and member engagement. The Executive Committee meets periodically to address organizational strategies and urgent issues.

Requirements
To join AFT Connecticut, you must work in education, healthcare, or public service in Connecticut. Membership is typically established through affiliation with a local union aligned with the member’s workplace or profession. Members contribute through dues, which fund essential services such as collective bargaining, legal support, professional development, and advocacy initiatives.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: AFT Connecticut advocates for better salaries, benefits, and working conditions, along with legal support for its members. It also provides additional benefits like insurance programs and financial services.
• Cons: The union’s political advocacy may not align with all members’ personal views, and its collective focus means individual concerns may not always be addressed quickly.

Call to Action

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