Across the state, more educators are choosing to step away from union membership, according to Education Minnesota’s recent federal LM-2 report filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
The union’s self-reported numbers from Sept. 1, 2024 through Aug. 31, 2025 show a decline in both teacher members and student teacher members compared to the previous year. Even with a slight uptick in retired teacher members, total membership still declined relative to the prior year.
Since the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME ruling, which freed public employees from being required to financially support a government union to keep their jobs, Education Minnesota’s total membership is down 10 percent.
Minnesota educators cite several reasons for opting out, but a common theme is concern that union leadership has become increasingly disconnected from the professional realities teachers face every day and is directing too much attention — and funding — toward broader political causes that don’t align with teachers’ priorities and values.
The perceived gap between leadership priorities and member needs has raised questions over the value of membership, particularly as dues rise while liability insurance can be obtained elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.
We won’t know for about a year how many educators opted out this last September, but if past trends are any indication, the union would be wise to consider why teachers are looking for an exit. The message they are sending is clear: They want a union that prioritizes the day-to-day challenges of teaching over political ambitions.
