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TCTA eligibility information

Not just anyone can be a teacher...
Not just anyone can join TCTA.

The Texas Classroom Teachers Association is proud to have built a reputation for always acting in the best interest of its members and public education in Texas. Market research shows that TCTA has the highest level of membership retention among Texas' statewide teacher associations.

Who is eligible to join?

TCTA accepts classroom teachers, librarians, counselors, diagnosticians, coaches and other nonadministrative education personnel (listed below); or anyone who holds a bachelor's degree, is pursuing teacher certification, and is serving an internship in Texas public schools. Whether speaking up for teachers at the Texas Capitol or representing members in legal cases, TCTA is the only statewide teacher association that can offer members the protection and security of knowing their interests won't be compromised in favor of other membership categories.

Five categories of TCTA membership:

Please note: The following dues amounts are annual totals. Local affiliates may charge nominal dues to support local programs.

  • *Active: $110/year
    Open to an individual whose position does not require an administrative certificate and who is regularly employed as a classroom teacher; counselor; librarian; diagnostician; speech pathologist; social worker; school nurse; coach; or athletic trainer; or a certified person who devotes the majority of time to classroom teaching or allied work with students. Individuals with at least a bachelor's degree who are pursuing teacher certification and who are serving an internship in the public schools are eligible for Active membership. This membership category includes the professional liability insurance of up to $7 million, with $2 million for civil rights coverage.

  • *First-time Active TCTA Member: $90/year
    Open to an individual who is joining TCTA for the first time as an Active member. Also open to an individual enrolled in an educator preparation program, pursuing teacher certification and serving as a first-year salaried teacher in the public schools. This membership category includes the professional liability insurance of up to $7 million, with $2 million for civil rights coverage.

  • *Associate: $60/year
    Open to an individual who is employed as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, teacher aide or education secretary. This membership category includes the professional liability insurance of up to $7 million, with $2 million for civil rights coverage.

  • Student: COMPLIMENTARY for 2006-07
    An education student seeking certification as a Texas teacher is invited to join TCTA FREE for the 2006-07 membership year. This provides full access to all TCTA programs and services, including the legal staff. Professional liability insurance is included for the semester or semesters of required student teaching that have been designated by the student member on the membership application submitted to TCTA. If you are currently employed by a public school district, please check the other TCTA membership categories to determine which is appropriate for you.

  • Retired: $15/year
    Open to a retired individual whose former position qualified him/her for Active or Associate TCTA membership and who is no longer employed by a public school in any capacity. The professional liability insurance is not available to Retired members, as the category is restricted to those who are no longer in the classroom.

    * Eligibility requires regular employment in a Texas public school or in a state-supported institution of higher learning in Texas.

Need an application?

If you are eligible for membership and would like to join TCTA, we invite you to fill out an online TCTA Membership Application, or phone headquarters at 1-888-TRY-TCTA (888-879-8282, a toll-free call in Texas).

 

Questions?

Contact TCTA headquarters 1-888-TRY-TCTA (888-879-8282, a toll-free call in Texas), or send a message to TCTA's