Professional Associations

What is a Professional Association?

• Belonging to a professional organization can be a rewarding experience. A pofessional association is an organization that helps to govern professionals who work in the same or similar fields.

Cont'd

• Professional organizations have standards or criteria that individuals must meet in order to become a member. Becoming a member of an association has its drawbacks, as well as, its advantages. Some advantages are on the following slides.

Legitimacy

• 1. Belonging to a professional organization aids in establishing the legitimacy of individuals working in the field.

Network

• Being a part of a professional organization allows persons to network. The association organizes functions that allows members to interact with and get to know each other such as workshops and seminars.

Career opportunities

• Associations often offer career opportunities to its members. It may also have a bank/pool of jobs to which members may apply. For example, a teacher may opt to apply for the position of JTA president.

Benefits

• There are several economic benefits to becoming a member of a professional organization such as eligibility for : bursaries, grants, discount on items and services, scholarships etc. For example, as a member of the Jamaica Teachers Association, a teacher opting to study at Walden University receives 25% off their first tuition payment.

Professional Development

• Training, staff development and workshops are offered by associations to help members hone and develop their skills. Additionally, voluntary work inadvertently lends itself to additional training and experience. Example, each public school has a JTA school representative

Advocacy

• Professional associations advocate for the rights and wellbeing of its members. advocacy may come in the form of salary negotiations, benefits, working conditions leave and even legal representation.

Me and the Jamaica Teachers' association

As a member of the Jamaica Teachers Association, I have enjoyed several benefits including tuition fee reduction, increased wages, incentives, discounts and access to low cost loans offered by the Jamaica Teachers Association Cooperative Credit Union.

Additionally, I have enjoyed professional development training seminars and workshops they have had in association with many agencies that have helped me to become the professional that I am.

Additionally, I have enjoyed professional development training seminars and workshops they have had in association with many agencies that have helped me to become the professional that I am.