Section 5: What Does Association Membership Mean to You?
I will never forget the moment I realized that teaching was not
just about me and my students. If we are to succeed as teachers, we
need to be involved politically. — Jamie Orth
As you begin your teaching career, one of the actions you will take
is joining your Association – the National Education Association,
the Wisconsin Education Association Council, and your local Association.
Here are some of the benefits of membership:
Professional Development. The WEAC provides its members with
training sessions on all aspects of instruction on teaching and learning,
human and civil rights, political action in communications, negotiations,
classroom management, and other areas of concern to educators. Association
workshops are consistently high quality and offered at no or low cost
to members.
Representation. Whenever decisions about educators are being
made, the WEAC is there representing members’ views. The Association
represents members in contract negotiations, legislative decisions,
and before other decision-making bodies.
Liability Insurance. If you are sued, WEAC’s liability
insurance will provide you with an attorney and $1 million in coverage
for any judgment against you.
Legal Assistance. The WEAC’s legal advice goes far beyond
liability insurance and attorneys. Any time you have a question about
your employment rights or benefits, your UniServ staff will be able
to answer those questions. UniServ staff will advocate for you with
your administration when you have questions or concerns. And, if you
need legal assistance, WEAC’s attorneys are the best in the state
in employment-related law and school law. It’s all free to WEAC
members.
Legislative Action. The WEAC is recognized as the single most
effective voice for educators in your district, community, state, and
nation.
Networking. Through OnWEAC and NEA Online, you will be connected
to other teachers from across the state and nation, who are dealing
with the same joys and frustrations you deal with, as well as kept current
with legislative decisions affecting public education.
Information. The WEAC is an educator’s best source of
accurate, timely information. The Association keeps current with laws,
regulations, and policies about education. Information is as close as
a toll-free telephone call (1-800-362-8034) or a visit to the WEAC web
site (www.weac.org).
Public Relations. The WEAC informs the public about educators’
views and builds educators’ images in the public through advertising
and public relations activities.
Publications. All WEAC members receive regular national, state,
and local publications with the latest information about education developments.
Opportunities for Involvement. Personal and professional growth
opportunities for members are available with the WEAC at the local,
state, and national level.
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