What is our union? 2019 We are YOU!!!

Q: What is a union? A: You are the union One teacher’s voice is easily squashed or ignored. However, all teachers’ voices collectively together can be heard and can make a difference. Our union is that collective voice.

More than 3 million members throughout the USA. The VTEA is our local union, a subdivision of the New Jersey Education Association. The NJEA is a subdivision of the NEA. Each division works very closely with one another to ensure a more positive school climate. As a dues payer, you are a member of NEA, NJEA, and VTEA. Approximately 200,000 members throughout NJ. Approximately 330 members in VMS, Kresson, EHT, Signal Hill, and Osage.

Who can be an active union member? PARAPROFESSIONALS and SUPPORT STAFF EMPLOYEES of PRIVATE or PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS PART TIME EMPLOYEES TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, NURSES, and FULL TIME SUBSTITUTES Who can be an active union member? RETIREES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS STUDYING TO BECOME TEACHERS

What does our union Give me? 1- ABILITY TO COLLECTIVELY BARGAIN and NEGOTIATE OUR CONTRACT. Our contract book is a direct result of decades of VTEA union representatives working and negotiating with the Voorhees Board of Education. ***If we were to lose 50% of our membership, we would lose our union status and our contract would be null and void. Therefore, we would have no say in determining our salaries, class times, preps, extracurricular activities, health benefits, etc. The teacher’s union in Wisconsin lost their union status and their ability to collectively bargain. This is their actual, one page contract given to them by their board of education. There were no negotiations!

2- INSURANCE and LEGAL SERVICES 2- INSURANCE and LEGAL SERVICES. Our union provides free attorneys who will represent all members in employment-related issues. They insure that our members receive the correct due process when facing these issues. Non- members are on their own and have no job insurance. Moreover, members also receive 2 free legal consultations annually and 30% discount on personal, nonemployment-related legal services. 3- ADVOCACY REPRESENTATION. Free access to services provided by experienced specialists who handle member concerns. Examples of some membership concerns are: negotiating contracts, school policy issues, school safety, grievances, SGOs, evaluations and retirement or pension questions.

4- UP-TO-DATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 4- UP-TO-DATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS. Our union keeps you updated on any legislative information or regulations pertaining to our occupation, school or students. Furthermore, it gives its members the ability to easily get involved, take action, and meet local legislators who are making decisions affecting our school community. 5- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WORKSHOPS, and NETWORKING. Free workshops are provided at the NJEA County Office located in Voorhees every month. VTEA will reimburse all members for completing any NJEA sponsored workshop pertaining to our field such a TechStock and the Exceptional Child Learning Conference. All members are also admitted free to the 3-day NJEA Teacher’s Convention located in Atlantic City on November 8-10, 2018. Lastly, there are leadership conferences available for anyone interested in becoming a union representative in both the summer and winter that the VTEA will provide expenses. These conferences and workshops not only help members get their PD hours and further professional growth, but allow them to connect with colleagues from other schools and districts across the state.

7- MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS. Hundreds of products and services are discounted for members only. Theme parks, travel services, shopping, health and wellness, cell phones, restaurants, financial services, and home/auto insurances are just a few of the many vendors who give discounts to our union members. 1. Visit memberbenefits.njea.org Log in with your PIN (email) and PASSWORD (last 4 digits of SS#) Scroll down and click SEARCH ACCESS. 6- GRANTS. NJEA sponsors grants for innovative, educational initiatives not funded by the school budget. Community grants that build support and positive relationships with parents and community members are also available and fully funded.

OUR UNION IS YOU!! If you are interested in getting involved, please see one of the VTEA representatives from your school or one of the executive council members. We need your voice! VMS Representatives Stacey Fulton, Melissa Illiano, Karen Jacobs, Tara Johnson, Louise Marino, Cliff Levine, Dave Magpiong, Joanna Swartz, Lisa Leaf ET Hamilton Representatives Judy Berman, Sandra D’Amico Signal Hill Representatives Janette Deeley, Shawn Seppanen, Maribeth Holliday Osage Representatives Wendy Gaff, Jen Sansone, Lynn Wynters, Ashley Dyer Kresson Representatives Melissa Farrell, Lauren Kerns Tony Klock- VTEA Executive President Mike Redfearn- VTEA Executive Vice-President Paula Long- VTEA Executive Secretary Jeff Lanzilotta- VTEA Executive Treasurer Tamie Wilhelm- VMS Executive Representative Ed Brandhorst- VMS Executive Representative Danielle Riggs- Signal Hill Executive Representative Diane Romaniello- ET Hamilton Executive Representative Tammy Thompson- Kresson Executive Representative Joseph Brooks- Osage Executive Representative Crystal Love- Executive Membership Chair Representative