Members Matter

Andrew Doak Glenburn EA Ed Tech III

I wanted to be a part of a group that is passionate about advocating for teachers and students. To know that collectively we can accomplish so much more than as individuals is invigorating! What a great feeling it is to have that security of the MEA working hard on better working conditions, fair contracts, insurance coverage, and benefi ts, while we are focusing our energy on providing the best educational experience we can for As a young educator, Andrew Doak is still fi nding his fi nancial footing. Being an MEA member saves Andrew money each month. We asked Andrew to share his MEA story and why membership makes a diff erence in his life.

Were you surprised to learn there were so many opportunities through membership?

I was absolutely surprised of the many opportunities! The MEA off ers meaningful professional development, for example training in writing Student Learning Objectives. The professional development helps me improve my skills in the classroom which benefi ts my students. Grants and scholarships are also available to help with classroom projects— that’s on top of the discounts on insurance and recreation activities! I have also been fortunate to attend the MEA Representative

Members Matter

We all have a story—so what’s your MEA story?

Th ere are many reasons why membership benefi ts you professionally and personally. Want to share your MEA story? Email gbechard@maineea.org.

Can you tell me a little bit about how your MEA membership has saved you money over the years?

I had Liberty Mutual for my car insurance through a deal with RSU #34 and my bank. The deal saved some money with my 2003 car with 392,000 miles on it. When I got my new car they could go no lower than $2400/year for insurance. I called Horace Mann after seeing the MEA advertise their rates as a member benefi t. Horace Mann off ered me coverage for $1200/year and boom...worth the price of membership and then some!

Have you told other members about your savings? What has been the reaction?

I tell anyone who will listen—and they have been astounded. We all know we’re not in education for the money—so I’m always looking at ways to save. I think it’s always worth a look to see if there is a better deal out there, and I found one with Horace Mann!

Saving money is always a good thing—seems like your savings more than paid for the cost of your MEA membership?

Yes indeed! I feel like many of the benefi ts could pay

Michelle Hathaway SAD 29 EA Special Education Teacher

Why did you become a member of the Maine Education Association and your local?

26 Maine Educator our students. • October 2015

for a membership, no diggity-doubt! Assembly (RA) as a delegate of our local association. At the RA I have a voice to set the goals and direction for the beliefs of the Association for the coming year. To see all the hard work that goes build programs above and beyond able to accomplish so much more!

on behind the scenes that benefi t all teachers and support staff makes me realize why membership truly matters.

How has being a member allowed you to advocate for your students?

The MEA off ers resources and information for parents with ways to help their children with reading, math, or homework association, along with fi ghting for more appropriate ways to show student progress, our new goals will focus on working together to the classroom for our students, such as a summer lunch program. As a team, our membership will be

in general. Within our local