Join MEA!
The Maine Education Association works to promote, advance, and protect public education, the education profession, and the rights and interests of our members.
Join Now
MEA is glad you see the value of membership! You can join online by filling out a simple membership form. You can find the membership form by clicking here.
Why Join?
The Value of Membership
Salary and Benefits
Simply put, educators deserve professional pay for professional work — and the members of the Maine Education Association are the premiere advocates fighting to ensure you’re paid what you’re worth. This also means stopping legislative cuts to your benefits such as health insurance and retirement.
Respect
From the local school board to the state legislature, elected officials are making decisions that impact your schools — join our union and be a part of the discussion. MEA members form the strongest voice advocating for educators and students in Maine. We’re fighting against the standardized test regime, raising the need for fair evaluations, and standing in solidarity to secure fair wages for every worker in our schools.
Networking
Being an educator can be stressful — but you’re not alone. MEA members have a support system of thousands of educators and MEA staff who live and work in your district. Whether you’re a new teacher who needs advice on a difficult classroom or a food service worker that’s pushing back against student lunch debt – our union members are here to provide support, experience, and their voices to your needs.
Legal Protection
Members get access to the best team of education law experts in the state. Having our liability insurance makes sure that MEA has you covered.
Leadership Training
Do you have big dreams to help your students and school? MEA has access to robust leadership training courses that will give you the skills to be an effective leader in your school, community, and state.
Professional Development
MEA is one of the largest providers of high-quality professional development trainings in the state. Take part in continuing education in everything from classroom management to teacher evaluations.
Member Discounts
Members can take advantage of deep discounts on vacations, movie tickets, life insurance, cars and more.

What we do
Founded in 1859, the mission of the Maine Education Association remains virtually the same: to support educators so they can inspire our students. MEA is the association that gives you a collective, powerful voice as an advocate for public schools in Maine and across the nation. MEA is here for you. From professional growth opportunities and support, to amplifying your voice in issues affecting you and your work place, to providing perks like discounted insurance and ways to stretch your paycheck, MEA has your future in mind.
Who can join?
Certified members, including teachers, nurses, school counselors, school librarians, social workers and psychologists make up the largest group of members in the Association.
(ESP)-Ed Techs, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, cooks and other support personnel who work for a public educational institution.
Professors, Support Staff and Supervisors in higher education are represented by several units: UMPSA, ACSUM, AFUM, CCFA and CCAA.
AFUM-Associated Faculties Of The Universities Of Maine
AFUM is the only faculty organization that has a contract with the University of Maine system. All faculty committees are “advisory” and their advice may be accepted or rejected by the administration. The AFUM contract is a legally binding document that governs the behavior of both parties. It has legal standing in court and with arbitrators.
AFUM membership has many benefits for you. If you are ever called in for an investigation, you have the right to have an AFUM representative present with you at the hearing. Membership brings with it a $1,000,000 educator liability policy. Most importantly, your membership means that you support the role of the faculty in the governance of the University of Maine system.
UMPSA-Universities Of Maine Professional Staff Association
UMPSA is the collective bargaining agent for the professional staff of the Universities of Maine System. UPMSA mission and purpose includes promoting the professional welfare of the members of the University of Maine System Professional Staff by improving salaries, job security, retirement systems and other conditions of employment including those for professional research and scholarship so as to attract and retain highly qualified professional staff.
By being a member of UMPSA, you are part of a larger family of colleagues working to improve wages, benefits and job security for all our members. When you have questions or concerns, even things that may not be at a grievance level, a union representative is only an email, phone, or walk away! Being a member of UMPSA means you have a strong advocate on your side when you need it.
ACSUM– Associated COLT Staff Of The Universities Of Maine
ACSUM represents the hourly COLT (clerical, office, laboratory, technical) staff in the University of Maine System. ACSUM consists of eight local chapters and a state executive board. ACSUM is by law the sole bargaining agent for the COLT unit, and negotiates with the University to establish better workplace conditions, wages and benefits for all COLT employees.
CCFA-Community College Faculty Association
The Community College Faculty Association (CCFA) represents the full-time faculty at the seven campuses of the Maine Community College System. The faculty prepare Maine’s youth for rewarding careers and transfer opportunities for baccalaureate degrees. The faculty also assist returning students, who have work experience, update skills and find new career paths. The role of the CCFA is to make it possible for the membership to do their jobs in a way that meets the needs of the students we are committed to and maintains a proper work-life balance. The focus of the CCFA is to protect faculty academic freedom and workplace security so they can create programs to meet the aspirations of the students and achieve the end goal of fulfilling Maine’s workforce needs. Membership benefits range from local to national programs and services as well as the NEA Educators Employment Liability Insurance.
CCAA- Community College Administrator Association
CCAA represents the supervisors within the community college system.
Student membership shall be open to any student enrolled in or preparing for a program of study in an accredited institution of higher learning that qualifies that student for a career in education. Apply here to become a student member.

Alan Yuodsnukis
Teacher
“The best part is that camaraderie. Having other people on your team just makes everyday easier. The MEA is the team.”

Mallory Cook
Teacher

Avalinda Lindsey
Custodian
“The Maine Education Association supports me as a custodian, they help me learn and get experience.”

Lisa Leduc
Professor
“In Higher Education, union membership gives us academic freedoms and support for faculty and staff.”
Interested In What MEA Can Do For You? Tell Us More About Yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do i learn what the dues are?
What professional development is available?
What does MEA/NEA membership do for me?
The better question is what does membership NOT do? Check out this side-by-side comparison to better understand the benefits you’ll receive as a member.
What are the top 10 reasons to join the mea?
While there are more than ten reasons to join, here are the top ten reasons belonging to MEA makes a difference.
How to Join
Need help joining the
Maine Education Association?
Use the links below.