Inside MSEA with Sean Johnson
MSEA MEMBERSHIP AT RECORD LEVELS
This issue of ActionLine highlights what makes our union strong: work that is done with members, by members, and for members. That commitment is not just a value—it is a strategy. And it is driving real, measurable growth.
At press time, MSEA has 73,693 active members—an increase of nearly 1,200 members over last year. That includes growth in both major categories of our membership: certified educators (+992) and ESP members (+180). When you add in retired (3,067) and aspiring educator members (327), our membership is over 77,000 strong—a record number!
These gains matter. Workers want to join a union that is growing, that is fighting, and that is winning. In the face of billionaire-funded efforts to stop organized workers from doing any of those things, we are doing all three. And this growth and engagement is not accidental. It is the result of intentional, member-centered organizing.
— Sean Johnson
These gains matter. Workers want to join a union that is growing, that is fighting, and that is winning. In the face of billionaire-funded efforts to stop organized workers from doing any of those things, we are doing all three. And this growth and engagement is not accidental. It is the result of intentional, member-centered organizing.
One clear example is our work to organize new affiliates. This year, we welcomed two new units: the Association of Public School Administrators and Supervisors of Harford County and the Washington County Administrators and Supervisors Association. Together, these new units account for 317 members—nearly one-third of our total certified growth.
We are seeing similar success with our ESP-focused organizing. Since launching the member-led ESP Bill of Rights campaign, annual ESP recruitment has increased by 22%. That growth reflects a simple but powerful truth: when members see themselves in the work of the union—when they are engaged, supported, and leading—they bring others with them.
This is why our legislative advocacy, professional development, and organizing efforts are all rooted in member engagement. Whether it’s lobbying in Annapolis, building skills through union-led training, or recruiting colleague-to-colleague, our strength comes from members taking ownership of our shared work. As we grow, our collective voice becomes even more powerful in advocating for our students, our schools, and our profession.