THE SEA PROUDLY SPEAKS UP FOR YOU AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
SEA believes that you, as an education employee, deserve protection of your rights, fair treatment and respect, competitive professional salaries and benefits, effective representation and a strong, responsible organization. SEA also believes in high academic and professional standards, equitable educational opportunity for all of Virginia's children, parent and professional involvement, conditions for students and teachers which are conducive to learning in a safe environment, and preparation not only for tomorrow's jobs but for tomorrow's world.

SEA OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES ARE YOUR COLLEAGUES
All SEA officers and representatives work in our school system and are elected by our members. They meet monthly to conduct business, discuss matters that affect our members and profession, and plan appropriate courses of action. SEA leaders insure that our concerns and interests are represented before the school administration, school board, supervisors, legislators and the public. SEA is acknowledged as an active voice committed to quality education in our public schools.

SEA MEANS INVOLVEMENT AT THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS
SEA is an affiliate of the dynamic Virginia Education Association (VEA) and National Education Association (NEA). SEA members elect representatives from Stafford County to the policy-making bodies of the VEA and NEA. SEA members also participate in VEA and NEA committees such as Instruction and Professional Development, Research, , Economic Benefits, Special Services, Professional Rights and Responsibilities, Human Relations, and Communications.

SEA MEANS PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE, REPRESENTATION, ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT
SEA's leaders and members are supported by full-time UniServ Staff, trained and experienced in employee rights and school law.      The VEA/NEA funded UniServ program insures that all members have immediate access to professional staff assistance and representation in instructional and employment related matters. The. UniServ directors in this area work directly with our school administration and are familiar with our local policies and governing bodies. The UniServ staff also keep informed of State Board of Education regulations and policy, certification requirements, retirement issues and other matters relevant to you as a professional.

SEA MEANS HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
Any member needing assistance may call our UniServ Directors at the regional VEA UniServ office in Fredericksburg (1-800-323-2166 or 540-361-7011). Our UniServ Directors are available to talk with you on the phone or in person. They will meet with you on site or at the office. Help is just a phone call away.

SEA/VEA/NEA MEANS EFFECTIVE LOBBYING FOR QUALITY EDUCATION
In Stafford County, in Richmond, and in Washington, wherever decisions are made that impact public education, our voice is heard. Our lobbying teams, comprised of Association leaders, members, VEA/NEA staff and lobbyists, work diligently to advocate for policies, regulations and laws that provide adequate funding for classrooms, instructional programs, meaningful reform, competitive salaries, and safe conditions conducive to quality teaching and quality learning.

And don't forget our lobbyists strive diligently to prevent erosion of professional standards and rights. We believe you have the right to teach in a safe environment, to receive a high level of parental and community support, to insist on rigorous standards, to receive full funding of instructional programs, to earn continuing contracts, respectable and competitive salaries and to enjoy a secure retirement system.

SEA MEANS MEMBER BENEFITS*
VEA and NEA members enjoy a wide range of exclusive programs and services, with special pricing on selected products.  The NEA provides protection through its $1 million Educator's Employment Liability Policy. In today's litigious climate, this insurance is necessary. There are nonmembers who claim to have equal protection under homeowners' policies. However, the fact is that the VEA employs two full-time attorneys who are specially trained in education law and are available with a toll free telephone call. For personal matters, the VEA/NEA Attorney Referral Program offers Association members a 30% discount on legal fees. Additional insurance benefits include the NEA Dues Tab life insurance of up to $25,000 provided free to members.

A host of other benefits are available through membership in VEA/NEA: credit cards, discounted auto and home owners insurance, home financing, magazine services, a car rental program, and an array of other financial and insurance plans. While membership in  other organizations is accompanied by some of these benefits, their number and quality will not be as remarkable.  For more information on services and programs go to  NEA Member Benefits

The VEA has also become a strong advocate and provider of instructional training. No longer just an organizing agency for collective action, the VEA provides cadres of trainers in classroom practices who travel across the state to present sessions to local associations. It offers free consultants and materials to promote SOL improvement in addition to yearly instructional conferences. It also funds local associations so that they may provide their own training for teachers and the community. One of its most popular activities is the annual mini grants for teachers, who compete for $500 and $1000 awards to implement creative and promising classroom practices.

*Taken from VEA News , November, 2000



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