Table of Contents

• Who may join The SCEA
• What is the mission of The SCEA?
• What services does The SCEA provide members?
• How does The SCEA assist members in their classrooms?
• How does the The SCEA member assistance program work?
• Can I just join The SCEA and not belong to my local association/affiliate or the NEA?

Who may join the The SCEA?

The SCEA members are teachers from every level of public education, including preschool through higher education; prospective educators in teacher preparation programs; and retired educators. Public school teachers interested in The SCEA membership may contact their building representative, their area UniServ Office, or The SCEA Headquarters. Printable application forms can be found here.

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What is the mission of The SCEA?

The South Carolina Education Association's mission is to empower its members to promote quality public schools, strengthen the profession of teaching, and improve the well-being of members.

The SCEA's strategic priorities for its mission are:

Promote Quality Public Schools

• South Carolina public schools are physically, emotionally and psychologically safe for students and staff.
   
• All South Carolina public schools meet QPA standards while striving to meet The SCEA Quality Public School standards.
   
• The achievement gap between students of high and low socioeconomic status will be narrowed.
   
• Every South Carolina public school is adequately and equitably funded to achieve The SCEA's Quality Public Schools standards.

Strengthen the Teaching Profession

• All teachers new to the profession will participate in an induction program that meets The SCEA standards.
   
• There will be a peer assistance program in operation that meets The SCEA standards in at least four school districts.
   
• Every school district will have a Professional Development Council that meets the The SCEA Professional Development standards.
   
• The pool of teaching candidates in South Carolina will reflect the racial and ethnic demographics of the state and be adequate to cover all teaching positions in South Carolina public schools.
   
• Teacher salaries in South Carolina will be sufficient to attract and retain a highly skilled, competent and diverse teaching force.
   

Improve the Well Being of Members

• Every public school employer will offer a comprehensive affordable group health insurance plan to all of its employees.
   
• Seventy-five percent (75%) of teachers in South Carolina will be covered by negotiated agreements that meet The SCEA standards for professional working conditions.

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What services does The SCEA provide members?

The SCEA provides professional development, legal assistance, advocacy, special services, and communications.

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How does The SCEA assist members in their classrooms?

A major focus of The SCEA is strengthening the teaching profession, helping teachers teach and children learn. This is accomplished through:

• Licensure redesign
   
• Professional development opportunities
   
• Professional resources
   
• Teacher networking programs
   
• Workshops
   
• Safe schools
   
• Committees, work groups, and task forces
   
• Involvement with state agencies and boards

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How does The SCEA's member assistance program work?

The SCEA's legal assistance program assists members with employment-related situations. Staff is available locally to answer members' questions and address their concerns. A member needing legal assistance should first call his/her UniServ office.

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Can I just join The SCEA and not belong to my local or the NEA?

No. Unified Membership requires members to join their local, state and national affiliates. Please click here to find out how your membership dues are distributed.

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