Connecticut Education Association: Championing Educators and Public Education
The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) stands as the largest teachers' union and a prominent advocate for students and public education within Connecticut. Representing nearly 43,000 educators across the state, the CEA plays a significant role in shaping the educational landscape through advocacy, resources, and support for its members.
Mission and Advocacy
As a grassroots organization, the CEA champions the interests of teachers and the well-being of public schools. The CEA is the largest advocate for students and public education in Connecticut. CEA members actively participate in the legislative process at the state level and within their local communities, advocating for education and increased investments in public schools. The organization is headquartered in Hartford and has over 160 local affiliates.
The CEA actively amplifies its message to protect students and unions, encouraging its members and the public to take action. The CEA provides resources and assistance to teachers and students in need.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The CEA's membership comprises public school teachers from preschool through grade 12, retired teachers, and college students pursuing careers in education. The association is governed by a board of directors consisting of approximately 35 elected members. The four executive offices-president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer-are elected at the Representative Assembly (RA) to three-year terms, with a maximum of two terms allowed. The CEA's staff is led by an executive director who oversees operations in Hartford and regional offices. As a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the CEA leverages its network to amplify its impact on education policy and practice.
Financial Aspects and Membership Dues
The CEA's operations are primarily funded through membership dues. Members are required to pay roughly $900 in dues to fund their local union, CEA, and the National Education Association (NEA). According to the union’s 2019 Form 990, membership dues account for 89 percent of the union’s revenue, with financial support from the NEA accounting for the remaining 11 percent.
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CEA dues are approximately $503 per year.
Expenditure
The CEA directly employs 81 people, 45 of whom make over $100,000 annually, with the top 12 highest earning making an average of $287,110 in 2019 and seven of them topping $300,000. Attorney Melanie Kolek was the highest earner, bringing in $332,025 in total compensation. Additionally, the union spent lavishly on conferences and travel. When combined, the two categories account for just shy of $570,000 in expenditures. CEA members also pay approximately $200 in dues to the NEA, which spends heavily on politics. 18 percent of the NEA’s total expenditures went towards political activities and lobbying. Most of these expenditures went to liberal and progressive organizations.
Support Programs and Initiatives
The CEA and its related foundations offer various support programs for teachers and students.
The Children's Fund
The Children's Fund reimburses teachers for expenses they incur for their students, covering necessities such as coats, medical supplies, clothing, and shoes.
The Boland Fund
The Boland Fund assists teachers facing financial crises due to illness, the death of a spouse, or natural disasters. This fund aims to support educators who dedicate their careers to nurturing and caring for others.
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Holiday Bear Project
The Holiday Bear Project provides holiday gifts to children in Connecticut, supported by sponsors and community events. In a recent year, the project helped more than 850 children.
Stance on Union Membership and Opt-Out Rights
For years, public employees in Connecticut have been forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment, allowing unions like the CEA to take their members for granted. The Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME has changed the landscape of public sector union membership. The Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision relieves nonmembers from the obligation to pay any dues or fees to the union as a condition of public employment. However, for teachers who remain CEA members, Janus changes nothing about how union dues are spent. Janus v. What happens after I send my resignation to the union?
Opting Out
Opting out is your constitutional right. However, unions like CEA sometimes place restrictions on when they will accept opt-out requests. Many unions allow opt outs at various times throughout the year. CEA has specified an opt-out window ranging from August 1st to the 31st. In most cases, union dues are automatically deducted from employees’ paychecks. Monitor your paychecks to make sure the dues deductions stop.
Representation and Benefits
Yes. The NEA operates a professional liability insurance program using dues collected from its members. The “Educators Employment Liability Program” costs the NEA about $5 per member per year to operate. However, as the NEA points out, “it is the responsibility of your employer to provide you with insurance to protect you from personal financial liability stemming from employment-related lawsuits.” Many districts automatically provide such protection for their teachers, and some states require it. While the terms of the contract will still govern your employment, union officials commonly prohibit nonmembers from participating in internal union affairs, such as attending union meetings, voting for union officers or participating in contract ratification votes. You’ll also be ineligible for any special “members only” benefits, such as discounts on additional insurance, scholarship programs, or deals the union has arranged with businesses.
Reasons for Opting Out
People have many reasons for not wanting to support the union. Some simply do not believe the services the union provides are worth the dues it charges. Others may find the union’s one-size-fits-all agenda does not serve them well because they are new to the profession, have a specialty that is not acknowledged in bargaining, or they believe their effectiveness is undercompensated. Some resent the union’s role in enabling and defending underperforming employees. Many find the union’s political activity and use of dues to advance partisan causes, candidates and ideology distasteful.
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CEA's Response to Educational Challenges
CEA President Kate Dias has voiced concerns about the excessive mandates that diminish the joy of teaching and learning. The CEA advocates for policies and practices that support educators and enhance the learning environment for students.
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