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 membership is open to a public school employee who is regularly employed as a classroom teacher, librarian, counselor, diagnostician, coach, or other nonadministrative education personnel (listed below); or anyone who holds a bachelor's degree, is pursuing teacher certification, and is serving as a salaried teacher in a Texas public school. Whether speaking up for teachers at the Texas Capitol or representing members in legal cases, TCTA is the only statewide teachers association that offers 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: $140/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. Anyone with a bachelor's degree who is pursuing teacher certification and serving as a salaried teacher in a public school is 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 TCTA Active: $90/year
Open to an individual who is eligible for Active membership who is a first-time member of TCTA. This membership category includes the professional liability insurance of up to $7 million, with $2 million for civil rights coverage.
*Associate: $70/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 2008-09 school year
An education student seeking certification as a Texas teacher is invited to join TCTA FREE for the 2008-09 school 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).