Washington Teachers Unions

Public school educators in Washington state are represented by two major unions—the Washington Education Association (WEA) and the American Federation of Teachers Washington (AFT Washington). These organizations negotiate salaries, benefits, and working conditions while also influencing education policy at the state and local levels.

The WEA, affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), focuses on collective bargaining, professional development, and legal support for its members. AFT Washington, on the other hand, emphasizes labor rights, political engagement, and broader education policy initiatives.

While these unions play a role in shaping public education, educators should carefully evaluate their impact and priorities when considering union membership.

Washington Education Association (WEA)

Leadership

  • President: Larry Delaney
  • Vice President: Janie White
  • Executive Director: Aimee Iverson

Organization
The Washington Education Association (WEA) is led by a Board of Directors that sets policies and manages the organization’s operations. Its governance structure includes a Representative Assembly, where delegates from local associations across the state come together to discuss key issues.

Local associations, formed within school districts, represent educators by addressing workplace concerns and participating in broader statewide efforts. The WEA engages in collective bargaining, provides legal assistance, and offers professional development, primarily serving the interests of its members while influencing public education policy.

Member Dues
WEA bases its membership dues on factors like job role and work hours. For full-time teachers, dues are around $83 per month, or roughly $990 per year. Dues help pay for services such as legal support, professional development, and advocacy efforts that benefit educators statewide.

Meetings
The Washington Education Association (WEA) holds regular meetings at both the local and state levels to address key issues affecting its educators. Local associations meet to discuss workplace concerns and coordinate advocacy efforts, while the larger organization hosts an annual Representative Assembly where delegates from across the state come together to set policies. The WEA Board of Directors meets throughout the year to oversee operations and respond to emerging challenges in public education.

Requirements
To become a member of the Washington Education Association (WEA), individuals must be employed in a public education role in Washington state, such as a teacher, support staff, or other education professional.

Membership is typically obtained through local associations, and members are required to pay dues to access benefits like legal support, professional development, and advocacy services. Remaining in good standing requires staying current with dues and following WEA’s policies.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: WEA offers strong advocacy at the state and local levels, ensuring educators have a voice in important policy decisions. Members also benefit from professional growth opportunities, such as training programs and leadership development.
  • Cons: Educators may feel that WEA’s focus on statewide initiatives don’t align with or address their interests. Participation in union activities is expensive and can require a significant time commitment, which may be challenging for busy educators.

American Federation of Teachers Washington (AFT Washington)

Leadership

  • President of the AFT Washington: Karen Strickland
  • Executive Vice President of the AFT: Evelyn DeJesus
  • Secretary-Treasurer of the AFT: Fredrick C. Ingram

Organization
The American Federation of Teachers Washington (AFT Washington) is led by an Executive Board that establishes policies and guides the organization’s initiatives. Its structure includes local unions throughout the state, each representing educators and addressing issues unique to their communities.

Local unions collaborate with AFT Washington to support statewide efforts in advocacy, professional development, and workplace protections. AFT Washington is dedicated to strengthening public education through collective bargaining, legal assistance, and resources that help educators enhance their careers and improve student success.

Member Dues
AFT Washington calculates membership dues based on a set monthly amount determined by the local affiliate. This amount may vary depending on the member’s role and salary. Members typically pay around $500 annually. These contributions support a range of services, including legal assistance, professional development, and advocacy efforts.

Meetings
AFT Washington holds regular meetings at both the local and state levels to discuss issues impacting educators and public education. The organization hosts an annual convention where delegates from local unions come together to set priorities, adopt policies, and elect leadership. Additionally, the executive board meets throughout the year to oversee operations and respond to emerging challenges for its members.

Requirements
To join AFT Washington, individuals must be employed in an education-related role, such as a teacher, faculty member, or support staff in Washington state. Membership is typically obtained through local AFT-affiliated unions, and applicants are required to submit a membership application and pay the necessary dues. Maintaining membership involves staying current with dues payments and adhering to AFT Washington’s policies and professional standards.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: AFT Washington advocates for better wages, benefits, and working conditions while offering legal support and professional development. Members may gain access to a strong network of educators and resources.
  • Cons: Educators may find the union’s political advocacy doesn’t align with their personal views. Participation in union activities can also take time away from other responsibilities.

Call to Action

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

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Union membership is expensive… and entirely optional. When every dollar matters in your family budget, a $1,000 per year can make a huge difference.

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