Membership Has Its Privileges

I have often encouraged you to join the professional organization for your respective discipline. This is another attempt to exhort you to do so as soon as possible.

Each discipline has its own national professional organization. And most also has its own state affiliate to the national organization. Membership to the national or state organization allows the member a number of invaluable privileges.

Membership gives you immediate access to body of educators working toward the same aim. This body of educators offers lesson plans as well as lesson ideas and activities. Most organizations even feature discussion boards so that individual members can connect with one another to discuss issues and nagging questions.

Also, members have access to newsletters and research journals relevant to their discipline. But if that isn’t enough, you get first news of professional development opportunities and awards, grants, and scholarships. Discounts on professional publications are an added advantage.

Families and students are not left out of the equation; most member associations feature sections aimed at families and/or students.

At the very least, join your local state affiliate. The Florida affiliates for each feature FCAT standards-based lesson plans.

If you are serious about this profession, it is imperative that you join your discipline’s professional organization; this is the first step in becoming a true professional.

National and State Professional Organizations by Discipline:

English & Language Arts
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Florida Council of Teachers of English (FCTE)

Reading
International Reading Association (IRA)
Florida Reading Association (FRA)

Math
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM)

Science
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

Social Studies
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
Florida Council for the Social Studies (FCSS)

Physical Education/Health
American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR)
American Association for Health Education (AAHE)