About LKNEA
As a member of LKNEA & NEA-Alaska, you have a powerful voice in creating the policies that affect your students, your school and your classroom.
Connection
When you join LKNEA, you join decades of experience in the educational field. You instantly create a family and support system for yourself as an individual and a professional. You join over 300 other coworkers as part of one of the largest associations in the state of Alaska.
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Joining allows for you to have your voice heard and amplified by your fellow members.
REDforED
The #RedforEd campaign raises awareness for educator advocacy and funding for public schools. This nonpartisan education reform movement represents the push to achieve a standard for public education students in the United States deserve.
Nunapitchuk Staff
BRHS Staff
District Office
Nunapitchuk Staff
Member Mikaela Trowbridge Represented NEA-AK at the Annual Representative Assembly (RA) in Orland, FL
July 2023
RA in Orlando, FL was so much fun! It was amazing to see how the NEA works not only at our local level or in Alaska, but how it runs nationally and differently in all parts of the US.
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I got to experience being on the selection committee and discussing each amendment or issue that was up to be changed on the floor. It was so enlightening and informative knowing what and why each thing was proposed. And everyone on the delegation was so kind, making sure I understood what each issue was about and answering any questions I had.
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There were SO MANY PEOPLE!! Alaska only had 51 delegates but some states had enormous sections and hundreds of delegates. I mingled a lot with Alaska NEA members but also got to spend time with some from Illinois (building a little library for banned books for Florida), New Jersey, and Michigan.
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I did fun things as well, such as building the little library, going to the karaoke caucus, Alaska night, the ferris wheel, and many delicious restaurants with NEA members.
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Overall I am so glad I had the opportunity to go and learn more about the NEA and represent the LKNEA. There were so many connections I made, things I learned, and issues I got to discuss, work on, and change as a member. I definitely see myself being more involved in the LKNEA this year because of this experience.
Thank you again for this opportunity!
Mikaela Trowbridge
2024 ESP Conference
Photo by Stephanie Butte
The ESP Bill of Rights national movement is gaining momentum and several state governments have recognized it as a vital piece of legislation that can help recognize and uplift Education Support Professionals across the country. The ESP Bill of Rights supports all ESP's (classified employees) right to earn fair compensation, paid leave, FMLA benefits, and to receive quality professional development to help advance their careers. While I was there, our ESPLI group (there are 30 of us nationwide) was highlighted several times and we took part in showing support for each other throughout the event. I attended several exciting sessions with topics such as "Fantastic Facilitation" and learning about the Micro-Credential program. Overall, the entire experience was informative and inspiring and I can't wait to implement the things I learned!
Click HERE for more information about the ESP Bill of Rights
Enjoy What Matters Most
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LKNEA provides professional advocacy related to ongoing issues you face as an educator:
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salary
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working conditions
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safety
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legal support
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teaching & learning
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planning your future
Members Kevin &. Audra Lopez are wearing blue for certified bargaining, 2023
About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the union do behind the scenes, a.k.a. what do the dues pay for?​​
- About 90% of our union work is behind the scenes. We are constantly in communication with district administration; the president meets with the district leadership team bi-weekly to address current issues that are arising within the district. Whenever an issue is brought up to the association we immediately start to act on it. In almost every case we are able to have an amicable resolution without ever having to officially start the grievance process. We are also actively involved in the state union, as our LKNEA president currently sits on the board of directors for NEA-Alaska.
- Dues dollars pay for every part of the association's business, with a vast majority of the money being passed on to the state and national level of NEA. Locally, we use dues dollars to provide training, travel and meals for members traveling on association business, arbitration support, and in-person meetings.
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What is a grievance?
Grievance is a violation of contract (negotiated agreement) or LKSD Board Policy language by the district or administration. In order to actually be considered a grievance, it has to be specifically written in the negotiated agreement. For example, "I think my boss is a bit of a jerk" does not classify as a grievance. That's not to say it's not a frustrating situation, and definitely a lack of professionalism, but it is not a violation of the negotiated agreement nor LKSD board policy. ​
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How do I know if my problem is a grievance?
A grievance is a possible violation of the collective bargaining agreement. In other words, your problem must be connected to a right granted in the contract.
However, a "gripe" is a workplace complaint that doesn't have anything to do with the contract.
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When should I file a grievance?
Anytime your rights are violated, as outlined in the negotiated agreement, and after consultation with the appropriate rights chair or executive board member. ​
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Who should I contact if I want to file a grievance?
Follow the tiers of support starting with your site rep. This means the general chain of communication should look like:
Member -> Site rep -> Area Director -> Classified or Certified Rights Chair -> Executive Board
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