TOP 10 REASONS TO BE INVOLVED
#10 A negotiated master agreement protects terms and conditions of employment. Your master agreement and contract rights cannot be altered at the District’s whim. It is enforceable by a grievance and arbitration procedure. It is a contract! And it has teeth!
#9 Associations help to break down barriers in workplaces – they unite teachers and create a community so teachers don’t feel isolated and fearful of administrations.
#8 People who are active in their Association learn about their working environment and how it can be improved – they help students and fellow teachers and have fun at the same time.
#7 During times of economic stress and reduced budgets, an Association will help protect jobs and the quality of the working environment.
#6 A master agreement will protect teachers from administrators that may be arbitrary or capricious.
#5 Member benefit savings (everything from reduced movie tickets to reduced rates on auto and home insurance) will more than pay for dues.
#4 There is strength in numbers. At the bargaining table, the percentage of gains correlates with the strength of the membership.
#3 If ever wrongfully accused, legal representation will be provided without charge. This is huge. Ask someone who has been there.
#2 *Average annual pay for teachers in Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree that teach in districts with a Master Agreement is $2,427 higher than the identically qualified teachers that don’t work under a Master Agreement.
#1 *Average annual pay for teachers in Colorado with a Master’s degree that teach in districts with a Master Agreement is $8,638 higher than the identically qualified teachers that don’t work under a Master Agreement.