I was so excited when I received my employment contract from the school district this week. The fact that I am only a few steps away from being a teacher after years of hard work is very exciting!
My biggest concern, which may not seem like a big deal to some, is whether or not I should join the union! I really don't know much about it, I Just know it costs a lot of money. I'm terrified that when I go to the district I'm going to have to make the choice immediately!
My question is, do you have any advice on the pros or cons of joining a union? Do you know of any better alternatives? Please help! Ha!
Suzanna
Follow me on bloglovin to keep up with my crazy adventure to teacherdom!
My local union provides for discounts in the community- for example my eye doctor gives me a 20% discount. The other good thing to explore is insurance against lawsuits. It happens! Does the cost of monthly fees offset the benefits? That's what you would want to know.
ReplyDeleteCarol
Teachers Are Terrific!
Always join a union - you never know when you might need advice or help from them!
ReplyDeleteGrowing Little Learners
When I taught in CT, I was part of the union. I don't remember it being that expensive though. Now that I am in TX, there are no unions. I miss the union!! The contracts here are so vague and basically admin can make us do whatever they want (no planning, 9 hour days, etc.) because there is nothing to protect us. I would join. Plus, god forbid anything bad should happen, you will have protection.
ReplyDeleteJessica
Literacy Spark
I don't know what unions are like in your area, but the union in New Zealand is basically useless (don't tell them I said that though). They are really agenda driven, and knock down any ideas from the current government without even reading the fine print. I think our current government would be similar to the republican party. Our union is very encamped in the oppositions pockets, so it's really hard to get a straight answer from them. I joined for about a year and then quit again. Are you not able to join/unjoin when needed? I would say go for it, and then unjoin later if you need/want to.
ReplyDeleteLike with most things though, it's better to have it (a membership) and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Erin
Learning to be awesome
Our union is also quite pricey and honestly, the main advantage to joining is lawsuit protection but you can purchase insurance for that much more economically. You can choose not to join the union this year and then join next year or even visa versa where I am. Maybe it's true in Vegas too? Just my 2 cents...
ReplyDelete