By Karin Majewski
Like so many young, first-year teachers, I was completely overwhelmed by the world of teaching. There were so many moving parts, documents, and aspects to consider when it came to managing a classroom and creating the best learning environment for all my students.
I was just trying to keep my head above water and pray my supervisor never walked in. So, when an older, veteran teacher came in and started talking sternly to me about my need to join the teacher’s union, I immediately complied.
Over the next eight years, I never had any issues with being a dues-paying member of the teacher’s union. All was quiet and time just moved along.
Then in June 2021, the red flags started to fly. The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) began taking legislative positions on COVID-19 and social issues that went against my beliefs.
I felt completely helpless, and I had no control over what these organizations were supporting and pushing. Then I realized that the only thing I can ever control is me — and, in this case where my money goes and what it funds.
It was then that I made the decision to opt out of the union.
I was then put in contact with the Freedom Foundation’s Pennsylvania team. The Freedom Foundation was able to answer all my questions and ease my concerns regarding opting out of the union. They communicated my wishes to resign from union membership directly with their local representatives and gave me ease in knowing they supported me through this seamless process.
So, there I was, out of the teacher’s union, but still a special education teacher employed in a public school system. Now what?
I then contacted a professional Pennsylvania teachers association called KEYTA (Keystone Teachers Association).
I reached out to them and reviewed the KEYTA website and found that they provide educators with liability insurance and legal advice that made me feel safe.
I liked that they have many overlapping similarities with the union, such as providing member representation, attorney assistance, liability coverage and more. However, they differ in that they do not endorse political candidates or contribute to political parties or political organizations.
The icing on the cake was that their monthly payments are a fraction of what I was paying to the union. After joining KEYTA, I felt an immense relief and happiness that I had found something I was proud to be a part of.
Since working with the Freedom Foundation and joining the Keystone Teachers Association, I began to share my experience with fellow teachers. If I can help just one first year teacher, or one unhappy union member who has been on the fence for years, or one educator who is looking for an alternative to the teacher’s union, I consider that a success.
Karen Majewski is a special education teacher in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She is a wife, mother of two.
