MN Educators Have Excellent Options for Non-Union Protection
Minnesota educators looking for a non-partisan, non-union option to provide them with liability insurance, job protection coverage, and professional development have excellent options to choose from.
The Association of American Educators (AAE)—the largest national, non-union, professional educator organization—has become a premier option for teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, education support staff, and college professors interested in belonging to an association that empowers educators to advocate for themselves and their students.
AAE was founded in 1994 by Gary Beckner and his wife Piete as an alternative to traditional teachers’ unions. Mr. Beckner’s leadership and guidance will continue through Colin Sharkey, who will move into the executive director position January 2019.
“It is a privilege to serve America’s educators and to lead this unique and vital pair of organizations [AAE and AAE Foundation] and this phenomenal team of people,” said Sharkey. “I am grateful to Gary and the board for entrusting me with this responsibility and for their many years of guidance and friendship. As a proud product of America’s public schools and of countless unselfish educators—including my mother, Karen—I remain tirelessly committed to the vision of a teaching profession that is student-oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling.”
Members of AAE receive a $2 million individual liability insurance policy (double what Education Minnesota offers), legal assistance to protect an educator’s teaching license, and job protection benefits and employment rights coverage. Members also enjoy professional support (professional development resources, teacher scholarships, and classroom grants), and a channel to make their voice heard without political distractions. Dues are $16.50 per month.
Another non-union professional educator organization that offers excellent protection is the Christian Educators Association International (CEAI). Members are insured for $2 million of liability coverage and receive legal representation, job protection benefits, and professional development opportunities, as well.
We encourage Minnesota teachers to consider joining one of these communities of educators.
To find out more about these liability coverage options, visit here.