Tennessee Teachers Unions

The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) and the Tennessee Federation of Teachers (TFT) represent the some educators in Tennessee. The TEA is the state’s largest teachers’ union and advocates for public education and educators’ rights, focusing on legislative action and professional development. The TFT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and emphasizes collective bargaining and labor rights, working to improve working conditions and educational standards. Both organizations strive to enhance public education in Tennessee through advocacy and support for educators.

Tennessee Education Association (TEA)

Leadership

• President: Tanya T. Coats
• Vice President: Joe Crabtree
• Executive Director: Terrance J. Gibson

Organization
The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) 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 protections, and public education improvements. TEA focuses on legislative advocacy, legal support, and professional development while working to influence education policy across Tennessee.

Member Dues
TEA calculates annual dues based on membership type and local association rates. For example, full-time certified employees in the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association (MNEA) pay approximately $739 per year. These dues fund services such as legal protection, professional development, and advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels.

Meetings
TEA holds regular local and state meetings to address education policies and member concerns. Local associations meet periodically, while state-level gatherings focus on setting policies, electing leadership, and planning advocacy efforts. The Board of Directors also meets as needed to manage operations and address emerging issues.

Requirements
To join the Tennessee Education Association, individuals must be educators, school staff, or education professionals in Tennessee and pay annual dues based on their role and local affiliation. Maintaining membership requires staying current on dues and following TEA policies while benefiting from legal support, professional development, and advocacy efforts. Members are encouraged to stay engaged through meetings, training programs, and legislative initiatives.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: TEA gives educators a collective voice in shaping Tennessee’s education policies, ensuring teachers have a say in statewide decisions that impact their profession. It also provides networking opportunities, connecting educators across the state to share ideas, resources, and support.
• Cons: TEA’s influence is limited in school districts without collective bargaining, which may reduce its impact on local salary and contract negotiations. Some members may also feel that the organization’s broader advocacy efforts don’t always address the day-to-day challenges faced in the classroom.

Tennessee Federation of Teachers (TFT)

Leadership

• Executive Vice President: Francine Lawrence
• Secretary-Treasurer: Loretta Johnson

Organization
The Tennessee Federation of Teachers (TFT) is led by an Executive Board and a Delegate Assembly, where local representatives set policies and priorities. Local affiliates, organized within school districts, advocate for educators’ rights, collective bargaining, and workplace protections. TFT focuses on labor rights, political advocacy, and professional development while working to improve education policy and working conditions across Tennessee.

Member Dues
TFT calculates annual dues based on membership type and local affiliate rates. Specific dues amounts vary depending on the member’s role and the policies of their local TFT affiliate. These dues support services such as collective bargaining representation, legal assistance, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts at various levels.

Meetings
The Tennessee Federation of Teachers holds regular local and state meetings to discuss education policies and member concerns. Local affiliates meet periodically, while state-level gatherings focus on setting policies, electing leadership, and planning advocacy efforts. The Executive Board also meets as needed to manage operations and address emerging issues.

Requirements
To join TFT, individuals must be educators, school staff, or education professionals in Tennessee and pay annual dues based on their role and local affiliate rates. Maintaining membership requires staying current on dues and following TFT policies while accessing benefits such as collective bargaining support, legal assistance, and professional development. Members are also encouraged to participate in meetings, advocacy efforts, and training programs.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: TFT advocates for educators’ rights through collective bargaining, ensuring better wages, benefits, and workplace protections. Members also gain access to legal support, professional development, and a strong network of educators working toward labor and education reforms.
• Cons: Since Tennessee is a right-to-work state, TFT’s bargaining power is limited, reducing its influence compared to unions in other states. Additionally, some educators may feel that the union’s political involvement does not always align with their personal views or priorities.

Exercise Your Rights

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