Indiana Teachers Unions

The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) and AFT Indiana are the two main unions representing public school educators in the state. Both organizations work to improve salaries, benefits, and working conditions while advocating for education policies that impact teachers and students. ISTA, affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), provides collective bargaining support, legal assistance, and professional growth opportunities. AFT Indiana, part of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), focuses on labor rights, political engagement, and strengthening public education policies. Educators looking to join a union should consider how each organization aligns with their professional and advocacy needs.

Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)

Leadership

• President: Keith Gambill
• Executive Director: Nate Williams

Organization
The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) is led by a Board of Directors and a Representative Assembly, where local delegates set policies and priorities. Organized within school districts, local associations advocate for educators’ rights and workplace concerns. ISTA focuses on collective bargaining, legal support, and professional development while influencing education policy across Indiana.

Member Dues
The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) calculates membership dues based on a combination of local, state, and national fees. Teachers in Indiana can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 annually for union membership, which includes contributions to their local association, ISTA, and the National Education Association (NEA). These dues fund various services such as collective bargaining support, legal assistance, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts at multiple levels.

Meetings
ISTA holds regular meetings at both the local and state levels. Local associations typically meet monthly to discuss workplace issues and advocacy efforts, while ISTA’s leadership meets several times a year to set policies and manage operations. The organization also hosts an annual Representative Assembly and events like “Days of Action,” where members engage in legislative advocacy and education policy discussions.

Requirements
To join ISTA, individuals must be educators, support staff, or education professionals working in Indiana’s public schools.Membership requires completing an application and paying annual dues, which vary based on employment status and local association rates. Maintaining membership requires staying current on dues and following ISTA policies while accessing benefits like legal support, bargaining representation, and professional development.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: ISTA advocates for educators at the state and local levels, working to improve salaries, benefits, and workplace conditions. Members also gain access to legal protection, professional development programs, and a network of support from fellow educators.
• Cons: Some educators may feel that ISTA’s priorities don’t always align with their personal views or immediate classroom needs. Additionally, membership dues can be costly, and active participation in union activities may require a time commitment that not all educators can manage.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT Indiana)

Leadership

• President of AFT Indiana: GlenEva Dunham

Organization
AFT Indiana is led by an Executive Board and a Delegate Assembly, where local representatives set policies and priorities for the organization. Local affiliates, organized within school districts, advocate for educators’ rights, workplace protections, and fair labor practices. AFT Indiana focuses on collective bargaining, political advocacy, and professional development while working to shape education policy across the state.

Member Dues
AFT Indiana calculates annual membership dues based on a combination of local, state, and national fees. For the 2024–2025 period, a full-time teacher’s annual membership dues were approximately $400. These dues support services such as professional liability insurance, legal assistance, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels.

Meetings
AFT Indiana holds regular local and state meetings to address education policies and member concerns. Local affiliates meet periodically to discuss district issues, while state-level meetings focus on advocacy and organizational priorities. Leadership also meets as needed to manage operations and respond to emerging challenges.

Requirements
To join AFT Indiana, educators and school staff must complete an application and pay annual dues based on their role and local rates. Maintaining membership requires staying current on dues and following AFT Indiana policies while accessing benefits like legal support, bargaining representation, and professional development.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: AFT Indiana gives educators a stronger voice in labor rights and education policy, pushing for fair contracts and improved working conditions. Members also benefit from resources like strike support, networking opportunities, and legal protection in workplace disputes.
• Cons: The union’s focus on labor activism may not appeal to all educators, especially those who prefer a less confrontational approach. Additionally, decision-making is often driven by leadership and delegate votes, which may not always reflect the priorities of each individual member.

Exercise Your Rights

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