The first day back to school always carries a unique energy. Teachers return refreshed and excited to start a new year, though not quite ready to let summer go.

Familiar faces fill the halls, new staff members bring fresh enthusiasm and the buzz of possibility is everywhere.

On this first day, I had the chance to meet two new teachers on campus. As we chatted, they mentioned attending the same church as a colleague, and from that small exchange I could tell how much they valued their faith and community.

Right then, I knew we shared the same values — and that was my opening to share something I knew they needed to hear.

I asked if they had completed staff orientation at the district office and whether they had signed union membership forms. One teacher hadn’t filled out any paperwork yet and was pleasantly surprised to learn that she didn’t have to join the union at all.

She had assumed union membership was required to be a teacher. The other teacher had already signed but immediately wanted to know more.

Why hadn’t anyone told her she had a choice?

As I’ve done many times before, I explained that teachers have the right to opt out of the union and that thousands across the country have already done so.

Both new teachers were relieved to know they weren’t alone.

Later that day I spoke with another colleague who had already opted out. He proudly told me he was the very first teacher in our district to do so — a badge of honor he wears with pride.

He also shared that four of his friends want to opt out but are too afraid. Along with their fear came worries, concerns and a lot of questions — questions no one at the union had ever taken the time to answer. 

Many of their concerns boiled down to: What does it mean to be union-free?

They wondered what would happen if they left. Would they still have a job? Would they lose their voice? Would they be left without protection?

Those are natural considerations, but the truth is, opting out simply means teachers stop funding the union and its political agenda.

Their contract, pay, benefits and legal rights remain the same. In fact, liability insurance and professional support are available through other organizations, including the free coverage offered by Teacher Freedom Alliance.

That fear — the kind the union cultivates and thrives on — is what troubles me most. It’s unnecessary, it’s manipulative and it disgusts me.

So I’ll speak with those four teachers, not to pressure them, but to remind them of their rights.

They already know they don’t want to support the union’s radical agenda. They already want to keep their hard-earned money.

They already understand that liability insurance is available through other associations — including the free coverage offered by the Teacher Freedom Alliance.

Teachers don’t need fear. They need freedom — and that’s exactly what I’m committed to sharing this school year. 

If you’re ready to explore your options and take back your freedom, visit OptOutToday.com to learn more about your rights.