Teacher Freedom Alliance on teachers’ unions and their influence in education

The Teacher Freedom Alliance has announced that teachers' unions have shifted their focus from supporting educators to promoting political agendas within the education system. This announcement was made on LinkedIn on March 12.

According to the Freedom Foundation, since the Janus v. AFSCME ruling in 2018, thousands of teachers have opted out of union membership, citing high dues and political spending that do not align with their interests. The National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) collectively lost over 200,000 members, reducing their influence in education policy. The foundation states that unions prioritize political lobbying over classroom needs, while alternative organizations offer liability coverage and professional support at a lower cost.

Teachers who opt out of union membership can save between $500 and $1,200 annually in dues, depending on their state and district. Alternative professional organizations, such as the Association of American Educators, offer liability insurance and professional development at a lower cost. These options provide similar benefits without funding union-backed political causes.

According to MyPayMySay, some states have enacted policies requiring teachers to submit an opt-out letter annually to discontinue union membership. These bureaucratic hurdles are designed to discourage teachers from leaving unions. Legal organizations continue to challenge these requirements, asserting that they violate the principles established in the Janus decision.

The Teacher Freedom Alliance (TFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting educators' First Amendment rights and promoting high-quality teaching without ideological influence. Working with over 500 teachers nationwide, TFA aims to empower educators and enhance public education without reliance on unions.