Florida Education Association

The Florida Education Association (FEA) is a statewide federation of teacher and education workers' labor unions in the U.S. state of Florida. As the largest union in the state, it boasts over 150,000 members, making it a prominent force in advocating for public education and the interests of educators.

Founding and History

Founded in 1886, the FEA initially served as an association rather than a labor union, focusing on increasing school funding and eliminating discrimination against married female schoolteachers. It became more prominent in the 1960s, with teachers' unions beginning regular strikes, including the nation's first statewide teachers' strike in 1968.

In 1974, internal and external pressures led to a division within the organization. The Dade County Classroom Teachers Association disaffiliated from the FEA and merged with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) affiliate, forming a new federation called FEA-United. The remaining affiliates formed a new state organization, the Florida Teaching Profession-National Education Association (FTP-NEA), aligned with the National Education Association (NEA). The two groups merged again in 2000, reuniting under the present-day FEA structure.

Affiliations

The FEA is affiliated with both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the first- and second-largest teachers' union umbrella groups in the United States. Additionally, it is a member of the AFL–CIO, the nation's largest umbrella group for labor unions of all types.

Activities and Advocacy

The FEA actively advocates for increased funding for public education programs and better pay and benefits for its members. It supports policies that enhance student success and opposes legislation that it perceives as undermining public education or the rights of educators. For example, the organization has opposed school choice vouchers, arguing that they are unconstitutional and divert funds from the public school system.

The FEA also engages in political activities, such as launching campaigns to influence state legislation and organizing members to contact state officials about education policy issues. It provides legal services, professional development opportunities, and communications support to its members.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FEA pressured state officials to allow schools to shut down temporarily if necessary, without facing funding cuts for suspending in-person learning. It also opposed policies requiring schools to resume in-classroom instruction early in the pandemic.

Governance and Members

The FEA's governance structure includes a governance board composed of local union presidents and selected members chosen based on race and ethnicity. An elected delegate assembly also plays a role in the association's decision-making processes.

Its membership encompasses a broad spectrum of education professionals:

• Teachers: Classroom educators who are instrumental in student learning and development.
• Education Staff Professionals: Support staff crucial to the daily operation of schools, including meal providers, custodians, and school assistants.
• Higher Education Faculty and Graduate Assistants: Members of the United Faculty of Florida, who focus on post-secondary education success.
• Retirees: Retired educators who continue to advocate for public education.
• Education Students: Future educators who contribute to shaping the future of education in Florida.
• Early Career Educators: New teachers and education staff supported by the FEA through specialized programs.

Financials

The FEA generates significant revenue, with more than $30 million annually from fees and program services. It also receives substantial contributions and grants, which it uses to fund staff salaries, legal services, and advocacy efforts.