Know Your Rights

As professionals and as union members, it’s critical we understand our rights as employees in the workplace.

Your union has your back with resources and support, whether you need legal protection or you need to file a grievance.

But prevention is the best protection. Our Know Your Rights resource library has need-to-know information on your rights as a public school employee so you can advocate for yourself before a problem arises.

For specific questions or workplace incidents, contact your local union or your representative with our Associate Membership Program.

Absences & Leave

As a public school employee, you have the right to a variety of absence and leave benefits at the federal, state, and district level.

Bullying & Harrassment

If you feel you’re being singled out or bullied, or if you’re experiencing any kind of harassment, there are things you can do to protect yourself and resolve the situation.

Class Size

Class size limits and requirements vary depending on which grade you teach.

Duty-Free Lunch

All classroom teachers and full-time librarians in Texas have a right to a 30-minute, duty-free lunch period.

Emergency Drills & Active Threat Exercises

Keeping our schools safe is every school employee, student, and family’s No. 1 priority, but we know and recognize emergency drills and other active threat exercises can be traumatic. Here’s what you need to know.

Evaluations & T-TESS

There are lots of questions about educator evaluations and T-TESS. This collection of resources and trainings attempts to answer the biggest questions.

Filing Grievances

Employees have the right to address concerns with workplace issues — like pay, work environment, behavior, and assessments — through a formal grievance process. You should never have to worry about retaliation because you exercised your right to file a grievance.

Immunity & Liability

Though we hope you never need to use your liability insurance benefit, it’s important for all educators to understand when they can and cannot be held legally responsible for in a situation.

Joining a Union

Yes, even in Texas, all public school employees are entitled to join a union. And yes, Texas AFT is a union.

Lesson Plans

Requirements for lesson plans vary widely by district. While you may have some or even considerable control over your campus’ lesson plan requirements, here’s what’s required by the state.

Lost/Stolen Textbooks & Technology

Here’s what to know if you or your students have had textbooks or instructional technology materials lost or stolen.

Planning & Preparation

As a classroom teacher, you’re entitled to dedicated time for planning and preparation, otherwise known as conference time.

Political Activity

We encourage members to be engaged in the political process, but you should be strategic and mindful in that engagement.

Resignation & Contract Abandonment

At some point, circumstances may lead you to decide that you need to resign. Here’s what you need to know so you won’t suffer the consequences of “abandoning your contract.”

Special Education

Even those not strictly in a special education role should understand the basics of serving students with disabilities.

Technology & Personal Devices

Whether you’re using district technology or your own personal devices while at work, there are rules and regulations to be aware of.

Whistleblower Protections

We hope you never find yourself in a situation in which you need to report a violation of the law, but if you do, here’s what you should know.