The RNEA leadership allies itself too closely with the Superintendent and School Board.
The RNEA President, Executive Committee, Bargaining Team, and all RNEA leaders are always advocates for the RNEA membership. There is a collaborative relationship between administrators and the Board but the RNEA is always an advocate for the Rockwood teacher. A collaborative relationship allows the RNEA to impact RSD decisions that have a direct impact on teachers in the classroom.
The RNEA encourages members to become an active RNEA leader and engage administrators and the Board in meaningful dialogue on district issues.
I should be able to join RNEA without joining the Missouri NEA and NEA.
Most decisions that affect teachers in their classrooms are not made in Rockwood. From state funding and state taxing policies to the national No Child Left Behind, it is important to have an organization that engages decision-makers at all levels. In addition, Missouri NEA and NEA provide considerable resources to the RNEA including Bob George our Missouri NEA UniServ Director, a $2 million liability policy and legal services.
RNEA is a proud partner on the state and national level with 2.7 million education professionals throughout the United States.
Our local, state and national dues are too high.
The value of dues is found in the high quality of representation, protection and teacher advocacy programs. RNEA has a full-time release President to work on behalf of the membership. Missouri NEA provides RNEA with a professional UniServ Director to assist members with employment-related issues. NEA provides each member with a $2 million liability policy. Each RNEA member receives two free 30-minute consultations each year with an attorney.
Many RNEA members save the cost of their dues by taking advantage of Missouri NEA’s Member Benefits programs such as auto, home, and life insurance.
I get the salary and benefits without joining.
Yes, that’s true – but you receive that salary and benefits on the backs of all RNEA members. In addition, each non-joiner weakens the ability of the RNEA to impact critical decisions (including salary and benefits) that affect all Rockwood teachers.
Finally, each non-member is taking a risk that they will never need the legal services or advocacy services of the RNEA, Missouri NEA and NEA.
RNEA Protects Incompetent Teachers
RNEA wants a competent, qualified teacher in every classroom. A quality education begins with a quality teacher in every classroom. RNEA supports strong certification and state licensure requirements, mentoring programs linking new and experienced teachers, and continuing education and professional development for current teachers.
RNEA does support substantive due process in cases involving dismissal, transfer or demotion of teachers. We also support peer mentoring to help retain promising teachers and maintain high standards of teaching.
RNEA, Missouri NEA and NEA spend millions of dollars in dues to support candidates and political parties without the consent of its members.
Federal law prohibits the use of dues money to make contributions to federal candidates or political parties. The money used to support political candidates comes from a separate, segregated voluntary campaign fund. This special fund does not come from membership dues.
What's the difference between Rockwood National Education Association and Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA)?
More than just a name separates the two associations. Download "What's the Difference?" (pdf) to appreciate the difference in service and representation.
NEA and RNEA is anti-religious and opposes voluntary school prayer.
Neither NEA nor RNEA believes schools should be “religion-free zones” and supports the broad religious freedoms currently enjoyed by students who attend public school, including the right to voluntary school prayer.
During a recent legal challenge that sought to prevent students from reciting the pledge of allegiance, NEA filed an amicus brief in December 2003 urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the pledge in its current form and keep the words “under God” intact.
What if I don't agree with the organization?
Few people agree with 100 percent of what any organization does. Consider homeowners' associations, PTA, political parties, etc. However, that doesn't keep them from joining. We believe RNEA and MNEA are the single best choice for solid support of children and school employees. As a member, if you disagree with a position or policy, you have dozens of opportunities to change the direction of the group. But if you are not a member, you can't change anything.
I am an administrator can I join RNEA/MNEA?
Yes you can. Read about the details of administrative membership. > Details
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