Re: Just a few questions about teacher unions

MSTA

Posted on 2/22/10

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I am very active in MSTA. MSTA is a grassroots association that
works for Missouri teachers and students. Your money to pay into
MSTA stays in the state of Missouri and goes only to educational
issues. MSTA has free legal services, great liability insurance,
someone always at the capital to look out for the best interest of
the teachers and children of Missouri, and many more "perks".
MSTA is also much cheaper than NEA and you get the same liability.
What I like best about MSTA is that I know my money isn't going
towards anything I don't agree with. NEA supports issues that I
don't agree with and puts your money into things that are not
educationally based. I hope this helps you!!

On 10/10/09, Sped Teacher wrote:
> On 10/07/09, Abby wrote:
>> I'm going to be graduating soon and I live in Missouri. I'm
>> curious to know how to pick from the organizations. I know
>> about NEA and Missouri NEA and MSTA. I really don't know
>> how to go about picking which one is the best for me.
>> Veteran teachers how did you pick? Are you in more than
>> one? And what benefits do you get from your organization?
>
> The District I teach in is represented by NEA so the
> overwhelming majority of teachers belong to that group. When
> the board enters negotiations, it's with our district NEA
> representatives, MSTA isn't involved. It's best to wait
> until you find what district you'll be teaching in before you
> make a decision.
>
> Also, the board does not have to reach an agreement with our
> association, so that's different from a "union". Boards in
> Missouri don't have to bargain at all, from what I
> understand. I've been a member for the past 20 years, and
> there's been many times the school board has reached
> decisions without any regard to teachers concerns. Basically,
> you're joining to support what little good they can do, and
> also benefits like legal fees etc.

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