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.

Any retired former employee of a public educational institution, including ESP are eligible to join as members of MEA-Retired. Learn more about MEA-Retired here.

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.