Join Our Union

Who Should Join and How to Join

If you work in a public school in our district, you should join our union. As a union member, you get legal support and services, reduced rates for auto and home insurance, and access to discounts on a wide variety of products and services. If you use them right, member benefits can often save you the cost of your dues!

Note: Because our local union is associated with the National Education Association, our main membership portal is NEA-branded. Membership is not currently open to charter school educators.

Value of Membership

Salary and Benefits

Simply put, educators deserve professional pay for professional work. Our union is a powerful advocate fighting to ensure that you are paid what you are worth. This also means stopping legislative cuts to your benefits, such as retirement security.

Respect

From the local school board to the state legislature, elected officials are making decisions that impact your schools — join our union and be a part of the discussion. Our members form the strongest voice advocating for educators and students in Arizona. We’re fighting against the standardized test regime, raising the need for fair evaluations, and standing in solidarity to secure fair wages for every worker in our schools.

Networking

Being an educator can be stressful — but you’re not alone. AEA members have a support system of thousands of educators and AEA staff who live and work in our district. Whether you’re a new teacher who needs advice on a difficult classroom or a food service worker who’s pushing back against student lunch debt – our union members are here to provide support, experience, and their voices to your needs.

Professional Development

Our union is one of the largest providers of high-quality professional development training in the state. Take part in continuing education in everything from classroom management to teacher evaluations. 

Leadership Training

Do you have big dreams to help your students and school? Our union has access to robust leadership training courses that will give you the skills to be an effective leader in your school, community, and state.

Legal Protection

Members get access to the best team of education law experts in the state. Having our liability insurance makes sure that our union has you covered. Learn more about legal services.

Member Discounts

Members can take advantage of deep discounts on vacations, movie tickets, life insurance, cars and more.

Early Enrollment

Enroll as a member between April 1 and June 30 and get immediate access to many benefits.

If you start your membership between April 1 and June 30, you pay no dues until September 1, but get immediate access to many member benefits, including member discounts, professional development opportunities, and liability insurance. 

Are you a student currently preparing to become a certified teacher or classified staff member in Arizona?

Are you pre-retired or retired from a career as a teacher or as classified staff in Arizona?

Substitute teachers and those currently on leave can email [email protected] to join our union as substitute or reserve members. Parents, community members, and allies interested in contributing to the cause of public education can fill out this form and mail it to 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.