SCTA exists primarily to protect and advance the professional and economic interests of its members. SCTA works for better working conditions, higher salaries, improved health benefits, progressive personnel policies and an affordable and dignified retirement. SCTA advocates with the School Board to maintain a sound, effective and productive public education system. SCTA is your strong and forceful advocate for public education and the teaching profession.

What are other reasons to join SCTA? SCTA offers a whole host of professional and career development opportunities, including conferences, scholarships and trainings. Also available is a wide range of publications and other resources for your use. If you’re not already a member, learn how to join.

A primary focus of SCTA is ensuring your rights as an educational professional by negotiating good contracts that improve teaching and learning conditions. SCTA believes that education employees should be free from arbitrary and capricious decisions by their employers. When violations occur, SCTA provides members the resources to defend their rights through appropriate legal or administrative channels.

SCTA members are automatically covered by a professional liability policy. Members receive up to $1 million in professional liability insurance, access to law firms offering free consultations and discounted fees on various personal legal services, and legal representation during reduction in force procedures and protection of due process rights.

Professional Development

SCTA provides a comprehensive array of training programs on professional growth for members. SCTA sends active members to statewide conferences which include the Good Teaching conferences where teachers share best classroom practices. Other statewide conferences explore human rights, urban and rural issues, community outreach and educational leadership. Trainings and workshops provided by SCTA include information on collective bargaining, testing and accountability, English language learners, special education, classroom management, media relations, leadership, unconscious bias, and political action.

Member Communications

CTA keeps in touch with its members through written publications and through frequent meetings of elected members who voice their concerns and keep up-to-date on Association programs and activities. All members receive the SCTA Newsmessenger and the Direct Line, designed to keep members informed about trends in education, policy decisions, District progress, and Association accomplishments.