Missouri Teachers Unions

Missouri’s two largest teachers’ unions are the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) and the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA). Founded in 1856, MSTA is the state’s oldest and largest independent education association, serving over 46,000 educators with a focus on professional support, legal assistance, and advocacy without engaging in collective bargaining. MNEA, with more than 30,000 members, is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and represents public school teachers, librarians, counselors, and other education professionals. MNEA emphasizes collective bargaining, political advocacy, and professional development to improve working conditions and advance education policy. While both organizations support Missouri educators, they differ in their structure and approach, giving teachers options when considering membership.

Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA)

Leadership

• President: Amy Kelsey
• Vice President: Steve Blakley

Organization
The Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) is governed by a Board of Directors and a Representative Assembly, where local delegates set policies and priorities. Organized within school districts, local affiliates advocate for educators’ rights, professional growth, and workplace concerns. MSTA focuses on legal support, professional development, and legislative advocacy while maintaining a non-union approach to representing Missouri educators.

Member Dues
MSTA offers annual memberships with dues varying by role: $230 for returning certified members, $130 for first-time members and first-year teachers, $124 for part-time teachers, and $90 for associate members such as bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, and paraprofessionals. These dues fund services including professional liability insurance, legal support, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts at local and state levels.

Meetings
The Missouri State Teachers Association hosts an annual convention, bringing together educators from across the state to discuss educational policies, attend professional development sessions, and set organizational priorities. Additionally, MSTA organizes various events throughout the year, such as leadership conferences and regional meetings, to address specific topics and provide ongoing support to its members.

Requirements
To join MSTA, individuals must be educators, support staff, or education professionals working in Missouri schools. Membership requires paying annual dues, which vary by role, and grants access to benefits like legal support, professional development, and advocacy resources. To maintain membership, individuals must keep their dues current and stay engaged with MSTA’s programs and initiatives.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: MSTA provides educators with liability insurance, legal support, and professional development while maintaining a non-union stance. It focuses on local advocacy and classroom resources rather than broader political agendas, appealing to teachers who want professional support without union involvement.
• Cons: Because MSTA does not engage in collective bargaining, it has less influence over salary negotiations and contract terms compared to traditional unions. Some educators may also feel that MSTA’s advocacy efforts are not as politically active as other organizations, limiting its impact on statewide education policy.

Missouri National Education Association (MNEA)

Leadership

• President: Phil Murray
• Vice President: Rebeka McIntosh

Organization
The Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) is governed 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, workplace conditions, and public education improvements. MNEA focuses on collective bargaining, legal support, and professional development while actively influencing education policy at the state and local levels.

Member Dues
MNEA calculates annual dues based on membership type, with first-time members paying $275 for certified staff and $175 for non-certified staff, plus applicable local dues. These dues fund services such as legal support, professional development, and advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels.

Meetings
The Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) holds regular local and state meetings to discuss education policies and member concerns. Local associations meet periodically, while the annual Representative Assembly sets policies and elects leadership. MNEA also hosts Capitol Action Days, where members advocate for public education with state lawmakers.

Requirements
To join MNEA, educators and school staff in Missouri must complete an application and pay annual dues based on their role and local affiliation. Maintaining membership requires staying current on dues and following MNEA policies while benefiting from legal support, collective bargaining, and professional development.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: MNEA provides strong collective bargaining support, legal protection, and advocacy for better salaries and working conditions. Members also gain access to professional development, networking opportunities, and a statewide voice in education policy.
• Cons: Membership dues can be costly, and some educators may feel the organization’s political advocacy does not align with their personal views. Additionally, union decision-making is often driven by leadership and delegate votes, which may not always reflect every member’s priorities.

Exercise Your Rights

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