New Educator Welcome

Letter from the President

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the San Diego Education Association.

Whether you are beginning your career or joining San Diego Unified after teaching elsewhere, I am honored to welcome you to our union and to a community of more than 6,000 educators committed to strengthening public education.

Teaching is extraordinary work. Every day, educators inspire curiosity, build confidence, create belonging, and change lives. It is also demanding work, which is why no educator should have to do it alone.

SDEA exists because educators are stronger together.

As the exclusive representative for certificated educators in San Diego Unified, we negotiate competitive salaries and benefits, protect your professional rights, provide representation when you need it, and advocate for the learning and working conditions our students and educators deserve.

But our union is about more than bargaining.

It is about belonging.

It is about relationships.

It is about building collective power so educators have a voice in the decisions that shape our schools and our profession.

When you become a member of SDEA, you become part of something greater than yourself.

You join generations of educators who organized, advocated, and stood together to improve public education for both students and educators. Their work created the foundation we

continue to build upon today.

Now it is our turn.

Our turn to protect public education.

Our turn to strengthen our profession.

Our turn to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they deserve. Our turn to build schools where educators are respected, supported, and empowered to do their very best work.

I encourage you to get involved. Connect with your Association Representative, attend meetings, stay informed, and discover the many ways you can help shape the future of our union. Your experiences, your ideas, and your leadership matter.

Thank you for choosing public education and for choosing San Diego Unified.

We are excited to welcome you, support you, and stand beside you throughout your career.

Welcome to SDEA.

In Solidarity,

Monique Barrett

President

San Diego Education Association

Children at the Heart. Educators at the Center. Justice at the Core.™

 

Resources for New SDEA Members:

 

• • Membership Forms
  • Our Union Contract – as a searchable PDF!
  • Contract Resources
  • Professional Learning Opportunities
  • Stay connected: Follow SDEA on social media!
  • CTA/NEA/Union Affiliates
  • The Standard Disability Insurance (Note: SDEA members are not covered by state disability. Enroll in this members-only benefit with The Standard during your first 270 days of beginning work!)

 

If you have questions about membership or your contractual rights, your first point of contact is your site SDEA Association Representative (AR). To find out who your site AR is, call the SDEA office at 619-283-4411.