Are there teacher unions in virginia

We do give preference to members, but non-members are frequently funded as well. We believe that teachers have a right to choose which association best meets their needs. Teachers are professionals, and they are quite capable of making that decision for themselves. Freedom of association is a fundamental legal right. VPE is independent, autonomous, and focused solely on Virginia. Across the country, over half a million teachers have chosen to belong to non-union, professional teacher associations like VPE.

In Virginia, VPE has become that choice and voice for over 10, educators. We have been serving Virginia educational professionals for over 20 years. Kristan Enright, Executive Director www. Conservative, more rural jurisdictions are unlikely to follow suit. Politically, Chesterfield is somewhere in the middle. Republicans, however, still tend to dominate local elections. Teachers, she says, are constantly getting pulled out of the classroom for a myriad of duties that have little to do with educating students.

For many, the administrative work has become unmanageable. Former CEA President Sonia Smith, who passed the baton to Melendez after her two-year term ended this summer, says something else happens when teachers are given a seat at the table: They become empowered. You would see increased morale. Perceptions that labor unions are exclusively about raising salaries, lead workers to become lazy, and generally are destructive to the business climate are well-entrenched on the right.

But Heffron says she is open to having a community conversation when the time comes. Already, some localities—including the Fairfax County School Board—have publicly expressed support for collective bargaining.

Others have argued that implementing bargaining would be expensive and could lead to higher taxes. On the press call, local union presidents said getting collective bargaining rights would allow them to advocate to improve learning conditions for students. For two years now, the Virginia Education Association has organized a rally outside the state capitol to call for higher teacher salaries and more school funding.

Teachers have taken personal days to attend—in some cases, shutting down schools due to the high volume of absences. Strikes by public employees would remain illegal with this new legislation. All Topics. About Us. Group Subscriptions.

We defend and protect members from unfair regulations, working conditions, and professional liabilities. Vision A great public school for every child in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unfilled Positions Teacher shortages are a serious issue across the country.

Take Action Now.