We offer training opportunities such as the annual Professional Conference in October where you can earn continuing education credits and fulfill some of your relicensure requirements. Other workshops take place throughout the year.

 

Other efforts include advocating for quality professional development through our Teachers as Learners & Leaders program, and grants to members through our Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Save on insurance, financial planning, car-buying, realty, mortgage and travel services, plus more, through Education Minnesota ESI. Save on your taxes each year when you defer your savings in a 403(b) or other tax-deferred acount. AFT-Plus and NEA member benefits also offer programs and services.

 

Through our Access to Savings program, you can save up to half off on car care, computers, restaurants, fashions, travel, recreation and more.

We help you connect with your peers through local union meetings, regional trainings, and state conferences and workshops. We also facilitate groups that come together with specific interests, such as special education or contract negotiations.

We work to bring you the compensation and respect you deserve, from professional-level salaries to affordable health insurance and decent pensions.

 

We work hand-in-hand with members to lobby the Legislature on education funding and other issues affecting your work environment.

Your local leaders and your Education Minnesota field staff can answer your questions and go to bat for you with your administration. Our staff attorneys serve as valuable resources on job-related legal issues covered by Education Minnesota policies. And as a member, you receive $1 million in liability insurance for on-the-job protection.

Education Minnesota speaks on your behalf. Whether it's contract negotiations, your rights on the job, professional issues or state-level education policy, we make sure educators' voices are heard. We also represent educators through public efforts such as our statewide Schools First! campaign

Education Minnesota is recognized as the single most effective advocate for public education at the school district, community and state levels.

 

Our affiliations with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO, and our partnerships with other organizations, give us the collective strength to make a difference.

We believe every student deserves a safe, high-quality learning environment, including appropriate class sizes, up-to-date classroom materials, rigorous standards and well-qualified educators. One of the ways we work to improve student learning is through the Educational Research and Dissemination program.

When you join, you'll receive our monthly newspaper, the Minnesota Educator, and publications from the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association. Our Web site also offers news updates and the opportunity to sign up for e-mail updates on specific topics.

If you have recently started a job in a school district with an Education Minnesota local, your membership chairperson will contact you with details on how to join.

 

If you are on the support staff at a school and would like to organize a new local union, please contact Tony Vega, 800-652-9073 or tony.vega@educationminnesota.org to discuss the steps.

 

If you are a college student studying education, please consider joining our student program. For details, click on the quick link at left.

 

If you are a retired educator, consider joining Education Minnesota Retired. For details, click on the quick link at left.

 

If you are a substitute teacher, or a teacher on leave of absence, consider a substitute or reserve membership. Details are available on the Membership & Benefits page.

 

If you are a member of the public, or work in an educational setting that does not have a local union, consider our associate membership. Details are available on the Membership & Benefits page.