MyLocalPLUS from AAE provides information and services at no cost to educators interested in researching, forming, and supporting independent local-only educator associations.
Top 3 Reasons Educators Go Local
Local Control
With an independent local-only education association decisions are made locally and reflect the needs of the local school community only.
Your local, only.
Save Money
Independent local-only educator associations very often can charge far less than affiliated local associations, with all of the dues staying local and providing services only to the local.
Better services, lower dues.
No Politics
Educators from across the political spectrum are tired of their local association being tied to contentious partisan politics—no more. Independent local-only educator associations can focus exclusively on the issues in the local school community.
No more partisanship.
Your district.
Your colleagues.
Your money.
Your local.
We hear from educators throughout the country that although their local does nearly all of the work,
nearly all of their dues leave the district never to be seen again.
There is a better way.
More and more educators are forming independent local-only educator associations.
MyLocalPLUS from AAE can help you through the process.
Why educators go local-only
Educators are increasingly reclaiming their district by switching to local-only educator associations to better serve their colleagues and school community. Free from politics and high dues, local-only educator associations can be effective, positive partners advocating for educators and students.
A local-only association sets a dues rate and policies that best serve their school community—this often means saving money and providing better support and services for educators.
Forming a local-only association
The first step is researching the process that will be based on your state and current agreement. Talk to your colleagues about their concerns and goals and gather a core group interested in going local-only. Connect with groups like MyLocalPLUS from AAE to learn more and prepare for the process. You will have to form your local association and file paperwork.
Navigating an election process
Your new local association must petition your labor board and demonstrate adequate support (typically 30%) to schedule an election. Your local association then needs to win an election to serve as the recognized exclusive bargaining agent at your school. This means educating your colleagues on the benefits of your local association over the existing option.
There are organizations that may be able to help you with this at no cost.
Negotiating a bargaining agreement
Congratulations, you won your election, now it is time to negotiate a bargaining agreement. This can require an attorney.
MyLocalPLUS may be able to help you find reasonably priced attorneys to help with this process.
(AAE does not participate in collective bargaining)
Providing benefits and services to members
A local association maintains membership by providing quality services and benefits to members and collecting voluntary dues payments.
Enforcing contract terms and educator rights
A local association is responsible for enforcing the terms of the negotiated agreement as well as defending the rights of educators in the district. This can require an attorney.
MyLocalPLUS may be able to help you find reasonably priced attorneys to help with this process.