For decades, teachers have come together through their associations and unions to secure important protections and opportunities, from litigation support to contract and salary negotiation to professional learning and more. Together the supports provided by union membership have benefited millions of American teachers. Collectively, we sometimes take that for granted. But for numerous individuals, the benefits are deeply transformative on a personal level. We talked with five teachers—from a teacher in her first years to a 25-year veteran—for whom successful contract negotiations made a huge difference in their lives. Here are their stories.
A Brighter Beginning for New Teachers
Last year, Colorado 4th grade teacher Melissa K.’s teachers union negotiated a significantly improved pay scale for all teachers in the district. And while the higher salaries benefited all teachers, its impact has been most significant for newer educators.
“For new teachers, making ends meet can be incredibly difficult,” Melissa explains. “Many newbies have to live far outside of the district, often living at home with their parents or housing with multiple roommates, plus working extra jobs just to get by.”
Last year, working with the teachers union, her district’s leaders were able to increase starting salaries for first-year teachers to $61,000, among the highest in the state. “Previously, there was no financial breathing room,” says Melissa, “which unfortunately left many talented new teachers feeling like they had no choice but to abandon the profession. Now, thanks to the union’s advocacy, the district’s retention rate is much higher.”
Greater Autonomy and Respect
Oregon 2nd grade ELL teacher Jill P.’s district’s previous leave policy allowed for 13 days a year—10 sick days and 3 personal days—each strictly designated for specific purposes outlined in the policy. While that might sound generous, life often demands more flexibility.
“A few years ago, when I was earning the base salary, I faced a dilemma,” says Jill. “I needed four personal days for an important family event, but the policy allowed for only three. To cover the fourth day, I had to take unpaid leave. At the per diem rate, that cost me about $600—a significant amount at the time.”
Last year, her union negotiated a contract that, in addition to increasing the pay scale, replaced the rigid leave policy with 13 fully flexible, undesignated days. “While the total number of days hasn’t increased,” says Jill, “the change allows us to use our leave as we see fit, without needing approval from HR or the district office. In the end, it all comes down to respect.” Because of the union’s successful contract negotiation, the shift in the district’s policy has resulted in greater job satisfaction and increased productivity.
Professional Growth Pathways for Veteran Teachers
Some people assume that once teachers reach the top of the pay scale, they simply ride out their careers on cruise control. But for many seasoned teachers, the passion for education is a never-ending pursuit.
The leadership in Colorado’s Cherry Creek School District recognized this and, as a result of a successful union negotiation for the 2022-2023 school year, began offering a Professional Growth Pathways program for veteran teachers. The first year of the three-year program (which pays teachers an additional $5,000 per year) is devoted to researching a topic of their choice that will deepen and refine their teaching process. The next two years are spent applying what they’ve learned in the classroom, sharing the results and the impact their work has on their students. “It’s a fantastic opportunity,” says 25-year teacher Dianne B. “It not only elevates the teaching profession as a whole, it positively affects student learning outcomes in the district as well.”
When Time Is Just as Important as Money
Oftentimes job satisfaction boils down to the right balance of time and money. And for teachers right now, that balance seems to be seriously lacking. Over the past decade, and especially as a result of the COVID pandemic, teachers have faced ever-increasing demands on their time, and teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers. “There are so many demands on our time every single day,” says high school science teacher David L. “From planning and grading to meeting with teammates and calling parents—not to mention actual teaching. The struggle is real.”
Fortunately, successful union negotiations in his district have resulted in not only greater pay but also protected planning time. “Because our union negotiated it, that time is guaranteed by contract during the workday, allowing me to focus on what I need to do. Yes, most of us still take work home, but to a much lesser extent. This definitely contributes to a better work-life balance and encourages me to persevere.”
Building Financial Security
When merely paying the bills is a monthly struggle, getting ahead can feel almost impossible. Megan L. began her career at a private school in Texas, where wages were lower than in public schools, but class size was smaller and creative freedom was encouraged. After two years, however, Megan started to think seriously about her future. She realized that the public school system could offer a more financially secure path over the long run.
Fortunately, Megan secured a position in a large public school district where the union had just negotiated a significant salary increase. “The difference was life-changing,” she says. “By sticking to nearly the same budget, I actually found myself with extra money at the end of each month.” Wisely, she used the extra funds to take additional classes and eventually enrolled in graduate school. Two short years later, she had earned her master’s degree and was on her way up the pay structure to long-term security.
These powerful examples are just some of the ways in which unions have supported successful contract negotiations around the country, winning educators financial freedom, planning time, professional growth, and more. We’d love to hear your successful contract negotiation stories too—you can share them with us by emailing editors@weareteachers.com.
