Troy NEA Newsletter

Dear Troy NEA Members,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year. With energized spirits and renewed purpose, we step forward together under the guiding theme: Our Union, Our Profession. Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, know this: When we unite as professionals and as a union, we amplify our impact.

Our Union, Our Profession

Being part of the union is more than membership. It is about owning our profession together. When we stand united, we advocate not only for ourselves, but for every educator, support staff, student, and family in our community. It is through that collective strength that we secure fair compensation, dignified work environments, respected planning time, and the professional recognition we deserve.

Digital tools and one-on-one relationships are powerful ways to extend our reach. Member organizers and existing leaders are vital in making the union visible, welcoming, and indispensable to our professional lives.

Your Role This Year

We’re not just welcoming you back; we’re inviting you to help grow our ranks and our voice this year. Here's how you can make a difference:

1. Talk Up NEA
   Share what our union means to you as a professional—the support, advocacy, community, or victories it has brought to your life.

2. Invite a Colleague to Join
   Reach out to a new teacher, an educational support professional, or any colleague and say: “You belong here. Let’s build our profession together.”

3. Use and Share Union Tools
   Hang a union poster, share our social media posts, or direct colleagues to join information. Tools like the NEA’s organizing guides help make connection easy.
   

4. Lead by Example
   Offer to bring a peer to a meeting, help set up a “Welcome Back” event, or walk someone through membership options.

With each conversation and invitation, we grow stronger together.

Why It Matters

When we, as professionals, unite in our union, our voice becomes unstoppable. We can:

• Influence contracts and working conditions with authority.

• Advocate effectively at every level—local, state, and national.
  

• Protect and elevate our profession, ensuring every member—and every student—benefits.

This year, let our work be defined by unity and professionalism. Talk it up. Invite others in. Build our union and elevate our profession. Together, we are unstoppable.

Our quarterly Troy NEA meetings are coming up and will be held at the Lincoln County Health Department. We’ll be hosting tiered meetings to better serve everyone:

• Secondary Staff: 3:00 PM

• Elementary Staff: 4:30 PM

Can’t make it in person? No problem – Zoom options will be available for both sessions.

These meetings are your opportunity to share your thoughts before we meet with Central Office. While we’ll continue sending out surveys, this is your chance to speak directly, learn more about what NEA is working on, and find ways to get involved.

Your attendance really makes a difference – we hope to see you there!

🚫 Lawsuit Filed Over $51M in Vouchers
Missouri NEA has filed a lawsuit to stop the $51 million in state funds being directed to the MOScholars private school voucher program. The lawsuit argues this appropriation is unconstitutional and diverts essential resources from our public schools—especially in rural areas.

💰 School Funding Task Force Begins Work
Governor Kehoe’s newly formed School Funding Task Force held its first meeting in June. The group will evaluate Missouri’s funding formula and make recommendations to ensure public schools are equitably and adequately funded.

🙋‍♀️ Get Involved: MNEA Committees
MNEA is now accepting applications for statewide committees. This is a great way to get more involved in advocacy and help shape the future of public education in Missouri. Applications are due by August 1.

We’re thrilled to share that—since New Teacher Orientation, we’ve welcomed 15+ new members into the Troy NEA family! This milestone couldn’t have happened without the dedication and teamwork of those who represented us at NTO: Mandy Johnson, Claire Bogucki, Sharon Schlup, and our entire executive team—thank you for showing up and making a real difference.

A special congratulations goes to Ana Dunn and Mandy Johnson, who have the distinction of being our first building representatives to successfully sign up a new member. Your efforts set the standard and inspire us all!

Your building representative (rep) is more than just a support during disciplinary actions. They are a vital resource whenever you face:

• Investigations or disciplinary meetings that could affect your employment

• Interactions with law enforcement or CPS—especially when you're asked to give statements, comply, or participate in an inquiry

• Mandatory reporting situations involving suspected child abuse or neglect

• Legal consultations, court summons, or serious administrative meetings

• Any context that feels unclear, escalates, or involves administrative pressure

You have the right to request union representation in these circumstances. Don’t hesitate to contact your building rep—immediately—whenever you find yourself in such a situation. Their presence ensures your rights are protected, proper procedures are followed, and you’re never navigating these complex scenarios alone.

If you’re ever unsure about whether to call your rep, it’s always better to ask. Your union is here to support you—especially when it matters most.

Homecoming is around the corner, and we’re excited to carry our energy into the festivities. We’re seeking volunteers to walk with us in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 26. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stay visible, connect with our community, and show the strength of our union.

If you’d like to march alongside us, please reach out to the executive team by text or email. Let’s continue building momentum—together, we are stronger!