We are a private labor union comprised of public school teachers, counselors, media specialists, engagement specialists, social workers, consultants, pathologists, and psychologists who are employed by the Portage (MI) Public Schools. Membership is voluntary and does not necessarily include all teachers et al. employed by the Portage district. We represent regular education, special education, elective/encore educators, counselors, psychologist, specialists, librarians, technologists, pathologists and other licensed professionals. We exist under the current 'Right to Work' laws in Michigan and engage in collective bargaining to advocate for strong, attractive working conditions so that our profession will both attract and retain highly educated, dedicated, skilled educators. Membership in this organization has always been voluntary from our inception in the 1960s. At all levels we are private entities. We are affiliated with the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and National Education Association (NEA).