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What has your union done for you lately? You might be surprised to know that your teachers’ union has: Endorsed a state income tax on your hard-earned wages. Promoted a government-takeover of healthcare through Obamacare. Opposed giving individual teachers the ability to negotiate with their bosses. Backed bringing the United Auto Workers into Tennessee after it helped bankrupt Detroit. You might ask yourself what any of these things has to do with representing teachers and the teaching profession. Absolutely nothing. If you are tired of paying hundreds of dollars a year in dues to fund the radical political agenda of your union, consider opting out today by following the simple steps below.

1. Check your dues deduction authorization for any opt-out windows. Some unions limit your ability to terminate your membership by requiring that it be done during a very narrow window, say the month of August. If you don’t have an opt-out restriction, move on to the next step. If you do, set a reminder to terminate your membership during the stated period.
2. Send a signed written request to your union representative terminating your membership. Sample language could include: “Please consider this as my formal and legal resignation of membership in the [YOUR LOCAL] Education Association, the Tennessee Education Association (TEA), and the National Education Association (NEA). The effective date of my resignation is immediate.”
3. Send a copy of the above letter to your school’s central office payroll department, so they have notice that you intend to resign and stop your automatic dues deductions.
4. Be sure to follow up with both the union and your central office payroll department to stop further dues payments from being authorized.

Congratulations! You are now free to keep your hard-earned money. If you plan to leave your union, drop us a line and let us know why you said “I quit” by e-mailing info@beacontn.org.