Why do you choose to be a union member?

“Administration has always looked to the workforce to save. SDEA offers a defense from folks taking advantage. We can DO SOMETHING if they don’t listen.”

Reinaldo Wilson

5th Grade Teacher

Kimbrough Elementary School

“I choose to be a member of my union because it is important to me to have my voice heard and be supported by fellow teachers.”

Diane Conti

School of Engineering, Innovation and Design at Kearny High School

Teacher

“I choose to be an member of my union for representation for my profession and also my family.”

Rich Llamas

Hage Elementary School

Kindergarten Teacher

“I choose to be a member of my union because I need the support and ability to fight for our rights. Without the union there would be no protection.”

Mercedes Alvarez

Language Academy

2nd Grade Teacher

“I choose to be a member of my union because they help to fight battles that I don’t have the time, energy and strength to fight alone.”

Emily Liebenberg

School of Engineering, Innovation and Design at Kearny High School

Teacher

“I choose to be a member of my union because I want to continue the good work that the people before me accomplished. The union helps us uphold rights and makes us stronger together. We need to remind the younger people why they need to join the union. We are one of the only unions in California that don’t pay out of pocket for health insurance, basic medical care, chiropractic care. We have the best benefits and overall, we did a good job with the raise.”

Teri Trickey

Rodriguez Elementary School

2nd Grade Teacher

“I choose to be a member of my union because the union affects my salary and benefits in a positive way. I couldn’t be a teacher without it. I am where I am because of the union. If I didn’t have benefits, I wouldn’t be able to do this job. I would have to look for a different job.

Ester Conriquez

Rodriguez Elementary School

3rd Grade Teacher

“I choose to be a member of my union because we need a collective voice so our rights as professionals are heard, and our working conditions can allow us to serve our school well. I also think it is important to be a union member to ensure that our profession remains attractive for the generations to come. If left in the hands of the politicians, public education would not survive much longer.”