1.
Who may join NCAE?
NCAE members are teachers from every
level of public education, including pre-K through higher education; students
in college education programs; administrators; and retired educators. NCAE
members are educational support personnel such as school secretaries, bus
drivers, teacher assistants and custodians. Public school employees interested
in NCAE membership may contact their Association Representative, or call
800-525-7628 or click here.
2. What services do NCAE and NEA provide
to members?
The NCAE and NEA provide a wide
variety of programs and services to members including professional development,
legal assistance, advocacy, publications, and member benefits just to name a
few.
3. How does NCAE assist members in their classrooms?
A major focus of NCAE is
strengthening the teaching profession and helping teachers teach and children
learn. This is accomplished through our Professional and Organizational Development
Department and other programs covering topics such as:
- Classroom management
- Mentoring and induction
- Support for National Board Certification
- Professional development opportunities
- Professional resources
- Re-licensure credit workshops
- Safe schools
- Involvement with state agencies and boards
- North Carolina Teaching Standards
- Evaluation and career development plans
4. How does NCAE's advocacy services program work?
NCAE's advocacy services program
assists members with employment-related issues. Your UniServ Consultant under the direction of our legal
counsel is available to answer members' questions and address their concerns. A
member needing legal assistance should first call the UniServ office at 800-525-7628. Members also
may call NCAE headquarters in Raleigh at 800-662-7924.
5. What is UniServ and where is the UniServ office located?
"UniServ" is short for
"Unified Service." And that's what the UniServ program is all about.
While NCAE and NEA headquarters staff provide a wide range of specialized
programs and services for members, our UniServ program is designed to bring
those programs and services directly to the local level. You currently have a
highly trained UniServ Consultant who is assigned to your local. He is on-call
to help with individual problems, membership development, political action, or
training activities. If you have a job-related question or feel that your
rights may have been violated, help is only a phone call or e-mail away.
6. Can I just join NCAE and not belong to my local
association/affiliate or the NEA?
No. When you join the NCAE you're
joining forces with the power and influence of 3.2 million members nationwide.
Unified membership includes our local, state, and national affiliates.
7. What is the NCAE Representative Assembly/Convention?
The Representative Assembly is the NCAE's chief policy-making body.
The Assembly convenes each spring where some 500 elected delegates representing
their local associations meet to chart the Association's direction, take
positions on critical education-related issues, and hear candidates for statewide
office.
8. Does my dues money go to political candidates?
No. Dues dollars cannot be spent on
political campaigns. Only voluntary contributions designated for NCAE-PAC
(Political Action Committee) or NEA's Fund for Children and Public Education go
to candidates who support children and public education.
9. Why is NCAE involved in politics?
NCAE members are Democrats,
Republicans and Independents, but they all have one thing in common:
They care about educating and protecting children and strengthening
American public education. Because all education decisions - from the statehouse
to the White House - are political decisions, we need to ensure that our
elected leaders measure up on important issues involving children and public
education. NCAE members are involved in the political process for many reasons.
Among them:
- To speak out in support of quality public schools and
the rights of teaching professionals.
- 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.
10. What do I get with my membership?
Membership entitles you to
participate in NCAE conferences, UniServ and legal assistance, personal
consultation on issues such as employment, retirement, certification, etc.,
receive mailings and communications from both the NEA and NCAE, $1 million per
occurrence liability policy, NEA Member Benefits, Dues Tab Insurance, and much,
much, more.
11. When do my benefits begin?
You are entitled to participate and
receive services when the NCAE headquarters office receives your membership
form.
12. How do I know if I am already a
member?
If you are supposed to have payroll
deductions withheld from your pay, check your pay stub. If you pay by some
other method or are still unsure, contact our office at 1-800-662-7924 and ask
for verification of your membership.
13. How much is withheld each month for NCAE
dues?
Each county may be
different. The membership form has a place for you to indicate the desired
number of payroll deductions, however, each county board of education has their
own policies for dealing with employee payroll deductions. You will need to
contact the payroll department in your county for details.
14. How often are payroll deductions
taken?
That will vary by
county. Contact your local board of education central office payroll
division for that information.
15. Do I have to sign up every year?
If you are a continuing member and
remain employed in the same county, the answer is ‘no.’ However, if you
move from county to county or are RIFFed and recalled, you will need to
reenroll. Check your payroll deductions each time to make sure that
no mistakes are made.
16. What is NEA's Complimentary Life
Insurance (formerly ‘Dues Tab’)?
NEA's Complimentary Life
Insurance is a member only life insurance policy that provides coverage of
up to $50,000. You are automatically enrolled in the program at no
additional cost upon becoming a member and the amount of the policy continues
to grow for each year that you hold continuous membership in the Association.
17. Can I just join NCAE and not belong
to my local or the NEA?
No. Unified membership requires
members to join their local, state and national affiliates.
Joining the Association Is Not Really About Liability Insurance…
It’s About the
Power of Our Voice
