Join HSTA

The Hawaii State Teachers Association works to promote, advance, and protect public education, the education profession, and the rights and interests of our members.

The Benefits of Membership

Strong pay and working conditions

Our collective bargaining agreement (CBA), or contract, is a binding legal agreement between the Hawaii State Department of Education and all public school teachers in the state of Hawaii. As a member-driven union, volunteer members negotiate with the employer on wages, benefits and conditions of work, which include salary increases, job-embedded professional development, bonuses, eliminating burdensome and repetitive teacher evaluations, and increasing teacher preparation time.

Support, advocacy, and communication

With a collective voice of more than 13,500 members, we can influence those who shape critical policy decisions on issues such as testing, evaluation, licensure, and funding. During the coronavirus pandemic, HSTA remained a vocal advocate for the health and safety of our school communities. After record testimony before the Board of Education and a return to the bargaining table, HSTA secured a procedure involving union review and approval to address schools that sought to configure spaces at less than six feet.

Protection for yourself and your family

Enjoy the comfort and security of personal and professional protection. Receive $1 million liability protection from most incidents arising out of educational employment activities or duties. Members are also automatically enrolled in NEA Complimentary Life Insurance and NEA Introductory Term Life Insurance, and are eligible for incredible group rates, as much as 75-percent off market rates, on voluntary health and wellness benefits for themselves and their families.

Member-exclusive programs and discounts

Members can access the latest updates via our weekly Members Matters email newsletter, surveys that support bargaining, and downloadable resources, such as our New Teacher Survival Guide and guides on leave and teacher discipline. Attend free webinars on everything from distance learning to social justice. Members can also take advantage of deep discounts on vacations, car rentals, higher education, and an exclusive HSTA mortgage program.

Student debt help and free financial education

Starting your career while in debt can be a daunting situation. HSTA members can take advantage of NEA’s online Student Debt Navigator and free financial education seminars. Plus, members can feel safe consulting with NEA Member Benefits vetted and approved financial advisers, who provide guidance and direction for all of life’s financial choices.

Quality professional development

HSTA is one of the largest providers of high-quality professional development trainings in the state. Our courses provide members opportunities to further their knowledge, increase their pay through reclassification, and network with fellow teachers across the state. Each course requires a deposit that is returned once the portfolio for the course has been submitted, as long as funds are available.

What are you waiting for?

No other professional organization does more for Hawaii’s educators. With your support, we can protect our profession today and for the next generation of teachers.

Are you currently enrolled in a teacher candidate program?