These are the benefits of being a member of ASTA. 

 

  1. $2 million liability insurance and free access to an expert legal team.
  2. Affiliated nationally with the AAE (Association of American Educators).  It’s the fastest growing independent teachers association in America.
  3. $5000 in grants and scholarships to Arkansas teachers each year and hope to expand that as we grow.  (Deadline is October 31st for this cycle.  Let me know if you would want to apply, and I can get you an application.  You don’t have to be a member to receive one of these grants/scholarships.)
  4. ASTA is a member driven organization. We take positions on education issues only after surveying our members and receiving a supermajority (75%) of the vote for that particular issue.  We feel it is our member’s right to choose who/what to vote for based on the platform as well as this keeps our dues to a minimum.
  5. We believe teacher strikes, picketing, and other union tactics are not professional. They hurt teachers, students, and the community.
  6. Dues are $150 each year. ($125 for the first year and $150 thereafter.)
  7. Payroll deduction in Bentonville automatically runs from September 15th to January 31st with an introductory rate of $12.50 per paycheck ($125) for the first year and $15 per paycheck ($150) each year after that.
  8. We provide free staff development to members which address the needs of our membership according to what our survey’s find that they need to know more information about.
  9. The AAE Newsletter as well as the ASTA newsletter “The Slate” of which both are very informative and helpful.
  10. We are not a union.  We are a professional organization like the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association in that we provide what our members need and try to help the profession be better.
  11. Additional and Supplementary insurance benefit plans are also available.
  12. ASTA is not a collective bargaining agent.  ASTA is legally a non-profit professional association.
  13. You gain many intangible benefits from knowing that you are a part of a great professional organization of educators and of people who are involved in education.

By being a member of BTA by paying $10 annual dues, you will benefit in the following ways:

  1. You will help promote ASTA to people involved in Bentonville and in surrounding areas who need this type of organization.
  2. You will have a local voice for issues that may arise in Bentonville.
    • See the announcements page for local information.
  3. You will help support local educators and students with scholarships as the funds are available.
  4. You will help provide a welcoming atmosphere for new/returning staff at the beginning of each year as well as provide support for staff at the end of the school year.