GBSI - Associations
Great Beginnings Summer Institute
FCFT, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (AFT Local 2401)
FCFT is a union representing all non-administrative FCPS employees – we are the teachers, counselors, librarians, paraprofessionals, office staff, custodial, cafeteria, and transportation staff who work hard to make our schools thrive. For 50 years, FCFT has fought for FCPS workers' needs inside and outside the workplace. Our collective power ensures all FCPS workers have the resources, training, and support to empower our work and deliver student success.
It’s an exciting time to be an FCFT member! Fairfax teachers and support staff recently won our collective bargaining rights to negotiate a first contract. Despite this being the norm for most US school employees, FCPS has not had a collective bargaining contract since 1977. We can now negotiate with FCPS on issues impacting pay and benefits, planning time, calendar concerns, safety, etc. Join us in our fight today.
FCFT is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and part of the national union AFT, 1.8 million members strong.
Fairfax Education Association (FEA)
FEA is your union that has worked for FCPS employees for over 100 years! We are a member-driven organization representing teachers, bus drivers, food service workers, instructional assistants, school counselors, and other staff members. FEA members fought to gain Collective Bargaining in FCPS, but we are not done. We see the finish line, and together, we will get to the table. FEA members are lifelong learners with access to training, materials, scholarships, and other resources.
FEA is an affiliate of both the Virginia Education Association (VEA) and the National Education Association (NEA), which is the largest labor union in the country (over 3 million members). We work together to secure our local, state, and national rights. If you were an NEA member elsewhere, rejoin here to maintain your membership. FEA members are fierce advocates for public education. We have the strongest, and loudest voices for our students. In FEA, WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER! Join FEA and make your voice heard.
FCPS Pride
FCPS Pride is an organization bringing together LGBTQIA+ and allied employees and family members, including staff who are parents/guardians/family of LGBTQIA+ students. We are a vibrant employees’ association and community group, with social events for families and employees, and opportunities to learn about and make changes in policies and practices.
Ways to Connect With Us
Asian Educators Association (AEA)
Purpose
Members of AEA address current FCPS challenges, organize and participate in networking events, and support all educators and the community to advance equitable educational and leadership opportunities. AEA strives to uplift APIA communities and other marginalized groups. Our goals continue to evolve as we meet the needs of our FCPS community. Membership is open to all current and former Fairfax County Public School employees.
Mission
Our mission is to provide resources and support for professional career development, establish greater participation as an association in policy-making, and ensure that the needs of our Asian students, families, staff, and community are met. We strive to be ambassadors for our APIA community and elevate the voices of those who have historically been absent or left behind in important conversations.
To join the Asian Educators Association (AEA) or for more information, please reach out to the current president, Tori Huynh, at [email protected] or our AEA Board at [email protected].
Affinity Groups
FCPS is proud to offer affinity groups for Asian, Black, Latinx, Middle Eastern, and LGBTQIA+ Educators, and more! Joining a group is a great way to build friendships, share stories, and connect with FCPS educators with similar identities and backgrounds. Affinity groups are meant to be a safe space to learn more about FCPS and thrive in a caring community.
- To express interest in this unique opportunity, sign up for a group.
- Learn more.
Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators (FABSE)
Fairfax Alliance for Black School Educators (FABSE) is a vibrant and growing association created to provide a network of communication for educators, particularly Black educators in Fairfax County. FABSE strives to enhance the skills and capabilities of educators for improving the quality of education for all children and students, particularly Black students by providing a forum for disseminating information on trends and issues to facilitate the educational success and resolution of commonly perceived issues of black students. One of our goals is to support the hiring and retention of teachers of color by providing networking opportunities, identifying professional development needs, and creating a forum to exchange ideas and strategies to enhance teaching and learning opportunities. FABSE has an annual scholarship program to support Black students attending post-secondary educational institutions. Sixty percent of membership dues are used to fund the scholarship program, which has resulted in over $30,000 being awarded to students.
Hispanic Educators Organization (HEA)
The Hispanic Educators Association (HEA) is an organization comprised of current and former FCPS employees whose mission is to promote an understanding of Latinx culture, empower parents with educational information, provide leadership training and opportunities to its members, and encourage student participation in advanced academic programs, leadership activities, and school completion. In 2005, HEA established an annual scholarship program for Latinx learners who are the first in their families to attend a post-secondary educational institution. Over the past fourteen years, the number of scholarships we offer has grown from two $1,000 scholarships a year to twenty a year. At the same time, our number of applicants has grown from between 20 and 30 to more than 70 applications last year. The need is staggering, the learners’ stories are full of pathos and inspiration, and the desire of HEA to award more scholarships is significant.
To join the Hispanic Educators Association (HEA) or for more information, please reach out to the current president, Manuel Gomez Portillo, at [email protected].
Director of Student Activities Association
- The Directors of Student Activities Association (DSAA) offers several opportunities to get involved in the extracurricular life of the high school students within Fairfax County Public Schools. Being a part of the coaching team helps teachers make strong connections with students within their school or pyramid. In addition, each program offers financial compensation to supplement your teaching salary. Please contact the Director of Student Activities at your high school, for more information.
