Why Join?

By joining the MEA you will also be joining the VEA with its more than 40,000 teachers and school support professionals working for the betterment of public education in the Commonwealth, as well as the NEA and its more than 3 million people—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society. 

Here are 15 reasons why you should join the MEA:

1. The MEA/VEA/NEA is your professional organization.  They work to make sure you are treated as professionals.  The union works for salary increases, better working conditions, your voice at school board meetings, legal advice on school-related matters, help settle disputes with administration, your voice at the Virginia General Assembly, etc.

2. One million dollar liability policy.  This policy is occurrence-based.  If you are a member and someone sues you for a job-related incident and you no longer teach or are part of the system, you will still be covered, no matter when the suit is filed.

3. Never feel alone.  You can request that a MEA representative sit in a meeting with you and an administrator.  We will also review a Plan of Improvement.

4. A UniServ Director to help you with problems that arise. She is only a phone call away and easy to reach. There is no problem or concern that is too big or too small.

5. Attorney fees for employment-related matters in defense of your job.

6. Two free 30-minute consultation sessions with a participating attorney each year. Plus 30% of legal fees incurred for wills and estates, real estate, domestic relations, consumer protection, and traffic violations.

7. Competitive rates on MasterCard or Visa.

8. Free  $1,000 life insurance with membership, additional life insurance at member rates.

9. NEA line of credit up to $10,000.

10. Discounts on auto and homeowners insurance with Horace Mann.

11. Discounts through NEA Members Benefits www.neamb.org; NEA Members Benefits also  helps with student loan forgiveness

12. VEA sponsored workshops and trainings that any member can attend. Professional Development created for Members by Members. Praxis and National Board Certified Teacher support.

13. Research from VEA.

14. Lobbying force for children and educators.

15. Monthly meetings between the Superintendent, the MEA President and UniServ Director.

No other organization does all of this for its members.  We are the MEA:  your voice, your support, your protection, your advocate!