MIPE is NOT a union

People often get confused between a teachers' association like MIPE, and a union. MIPE is NOT a union.

MIPE is a professional organization, not a labor union like the NEA and MEA.

 MIPE  opposes the adversarial approach unions favor; we avoid political activism of unions; and we work to promote teaching as a profession and not merely a job.

MIPE was created by Arizona teachers for Arizona teachers to:  

1. provide membership benefits (such as professional liability insurance and other member-requested benefits);  

2. help teachers secure their employee rights when needed;  

3. work with district officials (administrators & school board members) in resolving problems; and  

4. promote quality, safe education for students.

In Mesa, we work closely with the Assistant Superintendent for HR and district counsel to resolve problems, help “bad” teachers either improve or find employment in a non-education field, and improve communication between teachers and administrators.

MIPE's Executive Director, David Smith often attends meetings to mediate and help principals and teachers solve problems.  As a retired teacher with 30 years experience in Mesa classrooms and as a former student of Mesa Schools, David is familiar with the history of district policies and personnel. He helps resolve conflicts between Mesa teachers and administrators while improving classroom instruction for students. 

MIPE is proud to have a good relationship with the district administration and school board which we have built over our 30 year history in Mesa by conducting ourselves in a professional and proactive manner.

As you can see, we are NOT a union.