FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2023
Contact: Christina Mazzanti
703-717-5333
christina@aaeteachers.org

AAE Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of Supreme Court Janus v AFSCME Decision

Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national nonunion, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, celebrates the 2018 Supreme Court landmark Janus v AFSCME decision that affirmed public employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. This decision was especially significant for America’s educators, many of whom work in public school districts that unionized long before they started teaching. Today marks five years that educators have the freedom to decide whether association membership is right for them and are no longer forced to fund causes they may disagree with.

“Professional association membership must always be active, voluntary, and informed,” noted AAE Executive Director Colin Sharkey. “Although there is much left to do to ensure this freedom of association, the Janus decision should be celebrated for restoring fundamental rights to all public school employees.”

In the last five years, tens of thousands of educators have enjoyed the freedom to choose for themselves, many with the help of non-profit resources including the Teacher Freedom Project, supported by AAE and responsible for more than 10,000 opt outs nationwide. Numerous obstacles and misconceptions persist, limiting the full intent of the Janus decision and First Amendment.

Since its founding in 1994, AAE has championed professionalism for all educators, including that no educator should be forced to pay for involuntary membership. AAE remains committed to raising awareness regarding educators’ First Amendment rights, the workplace freedoms which they are entitled, and defending the Janus decision.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, nonunion, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at joinaae.org.

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