Math teacher Donna Walters, president of the Erie 1 Professional Education Association, knows a thing or two about the teaching profession — and the value and importance of being a union member.

As a 25-year classroom veteran, labor leader and union activist, she’s the perfect person to offer advice to new teachers who, as they settle into their careers, may also be wondering about their rights on the job.

Walters urges new teachers to get involved in their local.

“The higher the percentage of union members, the more strength and power the union has to make sure your contract is upheld, state regulations are upheld, that everyone is treated fairly and appropriately — and most importantly, that what’s best for students is what’s occurring.”

She offers a four-point “To-Do List” for those just starting out and who want to be involved in our union:

 “Unionism is going to be what keeps us in the middle class,” says Walters. “In this country, there is a much greater divide between the haves and have-nots and it's only the strength of the union that will help maintain and develop the middle class and offer your family life-long stability.”