MEA is YOUR union. Together we stand united in representing the interests of teachers, paraprofessionals and the students we serve. MEA is the only organization working as a catalyst for positive change for public education professionals and the students we serve. Now more than ever it is important for education professionals to STAND TOGETHER. As educators, we dedicate our lives to the service and needs of our public schools and the children that attend them. We proudly educate and nurture Manatee County’s children and prepare them for adulthood.
Undoubtedly, these are challenging times. For that reason it is vital that we come together to provide support to one another and work together to improve conditions in public education.
SOLIDARITY
- Power of the Collective Voice
- Strength in Numbers
- Empowered Members
- Dedicated & Trained Professional Staff, Leaders and Building Representatives
- Nationally recognized Professional Development program
- Professional Lobbyists representing you in Tallahassee and Washington, DC
SECURITY
Job Protection. Every member receives exclusive representation. MEA employs professionally trained staff and leaders and retains local and statewide legal counsel. MEA protects the rights of members and solves issues critical to our members, such as
- Contract Enforcement
- Letters of reprimand
- Special Investigations
- All steps of the Grievance Procedure
- Certification Issues
- Evaluation and Performance Problems
- Student Assaults
- Payroll Errors
- Transfers
Legal Services. Members receive the assurance of having highly trained and experienced legal counsel available to them on career-threatening cases as part of their union membership.
The attorneys employed to represent members have years of experience dealing with school districts and state education laws. Few attorneys in Florida have the same level of day-to-day experience representing the unique needs of teachers and paraprofessionals.
SAVINGS
Teachers and paraprofessionals are experiencing huge savings through their MEA membership with exclusive member benefits.
Home, Auto & Financial Services Discounts:
- Liberty Mutual’s Educators’ Plus program offers significant discounts on insurance
- Customized financial & retirement planning
- Emergency loans when unexpected expenses arise
Everyday Expense Savings with FEA ACCESS card:
- Discounts on your monthly cell phone bill
- Grocery coupons
- Local restaurant and merchant discounts
- Hotel, rental car & travel discounts
- Weekly specials for dining, shopping & recreation
Consider what you could be saving by comparing the cost of dues to the benefits offered:
Sample savings through MEA benefits |
Attorneys’ fees - for legal defense of your job, more for teachers if defending certificate before the FL DOE | $29,000 + |
Customized financial & retirement planning | $1500 |
Wills, trusts & estate planning | $500 up to $1000 |
Auto insurance – Liberty Mutual’s Educators’ Plus discount | $328 or more annually |
FEA’s ACCESS card program - 7-night vacation stay certificate that can be used at resorts worldwide | $300 |
MEA Dues |
| Bi-weekly |
Teachers | $33.78 |
Teacher Assistants | $17.85 |
Teacher Aides | $ 9.94 |
YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO BE A MEMBER.