Frequently Asked Questions

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

Does my dues money go to political candidates?

Why are KEA members involved in the political process?

Who may join KEA?

What services does KEA provide members?

What is UniServ and where are the UniServ Offices located?

How does KEA's member assistance program work?

What are the dates for the annual KEA Delegate Assembly?

How does KEA assist members in their classrooms?

What is the mission of KEA?

Where can I find information on teaching jobs in Kentucky? 

1. Can I just join KEA and not belong to my local or the NEA?

No. Unified Membership requires members to join their local, state and national affiliates.
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2. Does my dues money go to political candidates?

No. Only voluntary contributions designated for KEPAC (Kentucky Educators Political Action Committee) or NEA Fund for Children and Public Education are contributed to candidates who support public education and the protection of children.
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3. Why are KEA members involved in the political process?

KEA members are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Regardless of their political affiliation, KEA's members are involved in the political process because they care about educating and protecting children and strengthening American public education.

The issues that unite us are the protection of children and the improvement of public education. These issues drive our involvement in the political process. They are the ruler by which we measure all political hopefuls and lobby our elected leaders.

Because all education decisions--from the state house to the White House--are political decisions, we need to ensure that our elected leaders measure up on important issues of children and public education. KEA members are involved in the political process for many reasons. Among them:

• To speak out in support of public education and the rights of public school employees
• To make the case that society must make a greater financial commitment to public education
• To use the professional knowledge and skills educators possess to teach people of all ages

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4. Who may join KEA?

KEA members include teachers and other school employees from every level of public education, including preschool through higher education, workforce development, prospective educators in teacher preparation programs, retired school employees, and substitute teachers. Associate membership is available to any person interested in public education. Persons interested in KEA membership should contact their KEA Association Representative, their area KEA UniServ Office, or KEA Headquarters at 1-800-231-4532.


5. What services does KEA provide members?

KEA provides professional development, legal assistance, advocacy, special services, and communications. For more information go to KEA Programs.
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6. What is UniServ and where are the UniServ Offices located?

UniServ was begun in the early 1970's by NEA to provide staff assistance in order to improve the delivery of services directly to members in their locals. The word UniServ stands for Unified Staff Services. KEA operates offices in the following cities:

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7. How does KEA's member assistance program work?

KEA's legal assistance program assists members with employment-related situations. Staff is immediately and locally available to answer members' questions and address their concerns. A member needing legal assistance should first call his/her UniServ office. The offices and phone numbers are listed in question six. Members may also call KEA Headquarters in Frankfort at 1-800-231-4532 for information.
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8. What are the dates for the annual KEA Delegate Assembly?

Traditionally school districts plan Spring Break to coincide with the annual KEA Delegate Assembly. The dates are:

2011 April 6-8

2012 April 11-13

2013 April 3-5

2014 April 2-4
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9. How does KEA assist members in their classrooms?

A major focus of KEA is helping teachers teach and children learn. This is accomplished through:

Safe schools
Committees, work groups, and task forces
Involvement with state agencies and boards
Licensure
Professional development opportunities
Professional resources
Teacher networking programs
Workshops
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10. What is the mission of KEA?
The Kentucky Education Association is the preeminent voice for quality public education.
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11. Where can I find information on teaching jobs in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Department of Education maintains a registry of certified vacancies in Kentucky. Click here for more information.
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