Florida Teachers Unions

Educators in Florida are primarily represented by the Florida Education Association (FEA), the Broward Teachers Union (BTU), and the American Federation of Teachers Florida (AFT Florida). All three organizations advocate over salaries, benefits, and working conditions through collective bargaining. Beyond contract talks, they work to shape the state’s educational framework, promoting a variety of policies. A new law requires members to regularly re-approve of the union and in 2024, the FEA lost 20,000 members.

Florida Education Association (FEA)

Leadership

• President: Andrew Spar
• Vice President: Carole Gauronskas
• Secretary/Treasurer: Nandi Riley

Organization
The Florida Education Association (FEA) is Florida’s largest organization representing teachers, support staff, and other school employees. The union works to secure better educational opportunities for students and improved working conditions for educators. Through its affiliation with the National Education Association (NEA), the FEA extends its reach, ensuring that Florida educators have a strong voice in statewide and national education debates.

Member Dues
FEA membership dues are generally a combination of local, state, and national rates, each set by their respective governing bodies. The total amount varies based on factors like job classification, salary, and the specific local affiliate’s rates. Dues for the Florida Education Association typically cost around $500 a year, but may vary.

Meetings
The FEA hosts a variety of meetings throughout the year, including regular gatherings of its governing bodies and committees. The most significant is the annual Representative Assembly, where elected delegates set policies, approve budgets, and guide the organization’s overall direction. These meetings ensure that members’ voices influence decision-making and help maintain a democratic structure within the union.

Requirements
To join the Florida Education Association (FEA), prospective members typically need to be employed in public education as a teacher, educational support staff, or other school-related professional. Prospective members can join through a local affiliate that represents their specific district or job category. Members are required to pay annual dues, which support activities like collective bargaining, legal assistance as well as professional development.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Members of the FEA benefit from collective bargaining, which can lead to improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions. They also gain access to legal support, professional development opportunities, and a network of fellow educators for collaboration and guidance.
• Cons: The FEA requires paying annual dues, which some members might see as a financial burden. Members may also disagree with the union’s stance on political issues or policy priorities, which could lead to dissatisfaction or distrust of leadership.

American Teachers Federation Florida (AFT Florida)

Leadership

• Vice President: Andrew Spar

Organization
The American Federation of Teachers Florida (AFT) is a statewide affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, representing educators, school staff, and other education professionals across Florida. AFT Florida works closely with local unions, state policymakers, and community groups to improve education policies, increase school funding, and enhance professional development opportunities to support Florida’s educators and their students.

Member Dues
Members of the AFT Florida 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. The funds collected from member’s dues contribute to maintaining the union’s operations and providing member benefits, such as insurance programs and discounts on continuing education.

Meetings
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) hosts a yearly convention for its members. State affiliates like AFT Florida may also host smaller events and meetings throughout the year to discuss state-specific concerns.

Requirements
To join AFT Florida, prospective members should work in the education field or a related sector represented by the union, such as teaching, school support services, or higher education. Members agree to pay regular dues and follow the union’s constitution, bylaws, and policies

Pros and Cons

• Pros: AFT Florida advocates for better benefits, salaries, working conditions, and legal support for its members. It also provides access to dedicated financial services and insurance programs that may not be accessible to teachers who are not union members.
• Cons: Union negotiations can be lengthy, which can hinder quick responses to urgent problems. This may make members feel their concerns are not a priority. Additionally, majority rule within the union can leave dissenting viewpoints or specialized needs overlooked or not fully addressed

Broward Teachers Union (BTU)

Leadership

• President: Anna Fusco
• 1st Vice President: Terry Lopez Preuss
• ESP Vice President: Roosevelt McClary III
• Treasurer: Kenny Minchew
• Secretary: Liliana Ruido

Organization
The Broward Teachers Union (BTU) represents educators, support staff, and related professionals in Broward County, Florida. It negotiates contracts over wages, benefits, and some working conditions for its members, while also providing legal support and professional development opportunities. The BTU engages in advocacy at local and state levels, helping to shape education policies for educators and students. It failed to get 60% of teachers to pay dues, and, thus, needs to hold a recertification vote in 2025.

Member Dues
BTU dues are determined based on guidelines set by its governing bodies and membership votes. Yearly dues for BTU teachers usually cost around $900, while yearly dues for BTU support staff typically cost around $500. Dues support activities such as collective bargaining, legal assistance, professional development, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving working conditions and educational outcomes in Broward County schools.

Meetings
The BTU conducts regular meetings throughout the year. Meetings can include monthly or quarterly sessions, and serve to discuss union policies, address member concerns, and plan upcoming initiatives, and are generally led by elected union officers.

Requirements
To join the Broward Teachers Union (BTU), individuals must be employed as educators, support staff, or other school professionals within Broward County Public Schools. Membership is usually obtained by signing up through a local affiliate and agreeing to pay union dues. Maintaining membership typically requires continuous work in an eligible position, paying dues as required, and abiding by the union’s constitution and bylaws.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: BTU provides its members with a collective voice in negotiating better salaries, benefits, and working conditions. They also gain access to legal assistance, professional development, and support in resolving workplace issues. BTU’s local focus allows for targeted advocacy and community partnerships that directly benefit educators and students in Broward County.
• Cons: BTU’s decision-making often reflects the majority’s interests, meaning individual members who have specific or unique needs may feel their concerns are not fully addressed. Some educators might also find the union’s processes and timelines slow, resulting in delayed resolutions for urgent workplace issues. Required dues are also a common concern for union members.

Call to Action

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