Tennessee Education Association - Top 5 Reasons to Join

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TEA wants to hear from you about your health insurance costs as we approach the legislative season. Share your story...

New Teachers - Your New Profession - Top 5 Reasons to Join

Top Five Reasons to Join the Association

Larry Proffitt, Cocke County Education Association member, believes that making public schools great for every child is the bottom line of all of the programs offered by the Tennessee Education Association.

1. TEA works to raise YOUR salary.
	Your salary will continue to increase because TEA initiated the 60, 80, 90 campaign to improve salary, health premiums, and retirement, made sure your salary is now part of the state funding program, works with local negotiating teams to win local raises, and urges the governor and legislators to make salary a priority. Heather Keller Hardeman County Education Association

2. TEA works to increase funding for public schools.
TEA is the strongest advocate for more funds for schools–so you have the resources to do your job and students have what they need to learn. TEA’s success in increasing school funding has resulted in smaller class sizes, full time kindergarten, initial state funding for Pre-K classes, and added positions to meet students’ needs. Brinn Dalton Hamilton County Education Association

3. TEA encourages parents to get involved in their children’s education.
	TEA tells parents: “You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Meet your child’s teacher and work together for better learning.” TEA has free brochures for parents – in print and online. TEA works with parent organizations to increase parental involvement and understanding. Robin Couts Robertson County Education Association

4. TEA supports new teachers so they will stay in the profession.
TEA sponsors new teacher meetings to talk about the “real world” of teaching. TEA provides special workshops for those new to the profession and offers info on Praxis II. Members even have an online PRAXIS II study guide. TEA works with locals who want to set up mentoring programs for new teachers. Matt Thurman Hamilton County Education Association

5. TEA works to control the cost of health care.

TEA’s work means the state will continue to pay its 45% share of health insurance premiums, while working towards an increase to at least 80%.

TEA works with your local association to see that your district pays the highest portion possible of your health insurance premium.

Your fellow TEA members represent you on the State and Local Insurance Committee, advocating for better cost controls and higher state payments for premiums.

Bethany Dyer
Gibson County Education Association