Twenty-seven states in America force their teachers to join unions before employment. These organizations are nationally-linked and politically charged, often directing money gained from membership dues towards political campaigns that do not represent the views or interests of their members.
Thankfully, Tennessee is not one of those states. Still, because of liability insurance coverage offered by the Tennessee Educators Association, many Volunteer State teachers join the state’s teachers union, even if they don’t want to. Fortunately, they have another option.
The TEA is part of a national network led by a single organization, the National Education Association. Operating in a top-down fashion, the head of the NEA makes the financial decisions for its smaller state affiliates — often pouring millions of dollars backing controversial politicians and political schemes.
In 2011, the NEA gave more than $18 million to advocacy groups around the country. These giveaways of teachers’ money include handouts such as:
• $25,000 to the controversial Democracy Alliance.