A New Kind Of Union
MCEA "is not your grandfather's union." One of the largest local affiliates of the National Education Association, MCEA is a leader in efforts to build a new kind of teachers union that responds to the needs of today's educators.
We are more than 12,000 classroom teachers, guidance counselors, speech pathologists, media specialists, and other non-supervisory certified educators in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools system.
We work in a rapidly urbanizing suburban district with a growing divide between haves and have-nots. MCEA members teach 140,000 students in 190 schools spread over 497 square miles. The district has densely populated low-income urban neighborhoods, sprawling suburban subdivisions, and rural agricultural towns.
School Improvement
MCEA believes that improving the quality of education is the best job security for educators. Through MCEA, our members are active in redesigning how MCPS operates. MCEA supports scores of members working on joint problem-solving work groups with the administration. We advocate for policy changes with MCPS, monitor reform efforts nationally, and provide training and assistance to local schools.
Workplace Representation
MCEA's experienced field staff works with members to solve both individual and school-wide problems. Elected MCEA building representatives advocate for the interests of their colleagues, and keep them informed about, and involved in, the work of the Association. And new Elected Faculty Representatives to school Leadership Teams have responsibility for promoting teacher involvment in - and ownership of - local school decision-making.
Collective Bargaining
MCEA negotiates with the Board of Education over the terms of our contract setting salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Political and Legislative Action
MCEA monitors issues affecting educators and education. We advocate on behalf of those issues with the Board of Education, County Council, and state legislature. MCEA evaluates candidates for political office on the basis of their support for public education. The elected Representative Assembly makes candidate recommendations.
Professional Development
MCEA trains members in facilitation, problem-solving, group process, and leadership skills. We offer workshops for new teachers, MCEA building reps and the new faculty representatives to school leadership teams. MCEA provides assistance to teachers preparing for PRAXIS tests and for National Board Certification. And - together with MCPS - we provide training for school leadership teams.
The joint MCEA/MCPS Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Program provides intensive support to teachers new to teaching as well as to those not meeting performance standards.
Community Outreach
MCEA actively works with parents, community organizations, and other citizens interested in supporting continuous improvement in our schools. Through outreach, communications and active coalition building, MCEA works to build support for educators and public education.
Joint Problem-Solving Committees
MCEA supports 'job-alike' groups that meet regularly with the administration to resolve problems and improve services. Joint committees are operating for ESOL, MCITP, Media Specialists, Psychologists, Pupil Personnel Workers, Reading Specialists, Special Education, Speech/Language Pathologists, Staff Development Teachers, Subsitute Teachers and Home & Hospital Teachers.
Center for Teacher Leadership, Inc.
MCEA has created an independent non-profit organization to support the professional development of its members. The Center is designed to engage public school teachers and teacher unions as full partners in school improvment and instructional leadership. Major program areas include: support for National Board Certified Teachers and NBC candidates; graduate programs in teacher leadership; and national programming to support teacher union leadership engaged in school improvement.