Wisconsin Teachers Unions

Wisconsin teachers unions are organizations that represent public school educators, advocating for their rights, working conditions, and the overall quality of education in the state. The primary statewide union is the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). WEAC is the largest teachers union in Wisconsin and the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA). It represents public school teachers, education support professionals, and other school staff across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)

Leadership

• President: Peggy Wirtz-Olsen
• Vice President: Kim Schroeder
• Secretary-Treasurer: Nathan Ugoretz
• Executive Director: Bob Baxter

Organization
Founded in 1853, WEAC began as a statewide educational organization for teachers and administrators. After the passage of collective bargaining laws for public employees, it evolved into a proactive teachers’ union and, in 1972, adopted its current name.

WEAC is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and represents various education professionals, including teachers, counselors, library media specialists, and education support staff in Wisconsin’s public K-12 schools and technical colleges.

Member Dues
WEAC calculates annual dues based on membership type, employment status, and local affiliate rates. Specific dues amounts vary depending on whether a member is a teacher, education support professional, or part-time employee. Typical dues for a full-time teacher are a little more than $50 per pay period or $1,200 per year.

Meetings
WEAC 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 WEAC, individuals must be educators, school staff, or education professionals in Wisconsin and pay annual dues based on their role and local affiliation. Maintaining membership requires staying current on dues and adhering to WEAC policies while benefiting from legal support, professional development, and advocacy efforts. Members are encouraged to engage through meetings, training programs, and legislative initiatives.​

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The union advocates strongly for better pay and benefits for its members.
• WEAC provides legal protection and support in workplace disputes, ensuring that educators have representation when facing conflicts with school administrators.
• Members have access to professional development opportunities, including workshops and seminars to help advance their careers.

Cons

• The cost of annual dues can be a financial burden for some educators.
• Critics argue that union policies often prioritize seniority over merit in promotions and job security, which can limit opportunities for highly effective newer educators.

Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA)

Leadership

• Co-President: Daniel Levitin
• Co-President: Madeline Topf

Organization
The Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA) was founded in 1966 and is recognized as the first graduate student labor union in the United States. It represents graduate teaching and project assistants at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. TAA advocates for fair wages, better working conditions, and policies that benefit graduate student workers.

Over the years, it has played a crucial role in securing healthcare benefits, tuition remission, and workplace protections for its members. The union is actively engaged in contract negotiations, campus activism, and political advocacy for labor rights in higher education.

Member Dues
Membership dues for the TAA vary based on a percentage of a member’s assistantship salary. These dues contribute to legal representation, contract negotiations, and advocacy efforts. Members who pay dues gain voting rights on union decisions and access to additional union support.

Meetings
The TAA holds regular general membership meetings where members discuss workplace concerns, contract negotiations, and union initiatives. Committees within the union meet periodically to focus on specific issues such as bargaining, outreach, and activism.

Requirements
To be eligible for TAA membership, individuals must be graduate student employees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, such as teaching assistants (TAs) or project assistants (PAs). Members must pay dues to participate in union activities and decision-making. The TAA encourages active involvement in union meetings, advocacy efforts, and organizing events.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• TAA advocates for fair wages, healthcare benefits, and improved working conditions for graduate student employees.
• The union has historically played a major role in securing tuition remission and affordable healthcare.
• The union provides legal support and representation in workplace disputes, ensuring that graduate workers have a voice in university policies.

Cons

• Membership dues can be a financial burden, especially for graduate students who may already be on tight budgets.
• Because the TAA represents a specific subset of university employees, its bargaining power is sometimes limited compared to larger labor unions.
• Critics argue that union policies can lead to administrative resistance, slowing the negotiation process for contract improvements.

Exercise Your Rights

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