We, the members of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, shall advance the quality of public education by empowering ourselves to secure those conditions which enhance professional growth, morale, and the general welfare for the educational employees, the students and the community in order to maximize excellence and equity in the public schools.
An organization of teachers representing all "teachers" in Baltimore County Public Schools. TABCO represents over 6,000 individuals. Teachers defined under the contract include the following:
Counselors, Deans, Facilitators, Home & Hospital, Librarians & Media Specialists, Mentors, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, ROTC Instructors, Social Workers, Speech/Language Pathologists, Teachers (Regular & Special Education)
Teacher members elect the Officers, Board of Directors, and Association Representatives from their own ranks.
TABCO, THE Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association are all part of one professional organization. MSEA and NEA provide services and benefits and revenue to TABCO. TABCO members are elected to positions which govern MSEA and NEA. There are approximately 67,000 MSEA members and 3 million NEA members.
TABCO conducts workshops, offers help to new teachers, and maintains programs such as the NEA Professional Library. TABCO provides grievance representation and assists individual teachers when job related problems occur.
TABCO negotiates a Master Agreement (contract) with the Baltimore County Public Schools that provides teachers with rights that include working conditions and benefits. The teachers' salary schedule is part of this Agreement.
The TABCO Sick Leave Bank is a program that will help when severe illness or accidents occur.
TABCO has extensive offerings of insurance, tax sheltered annuities, discount buying packages, special services, discount legal services, income protection, and home rental and mortgage programs.
TABCO Bulletin, Table Talk, Hot Topics, MSEA Action Line, the NEA TODAY and NOW are some of the regular publications. Flyers, electronic updates, and automated messages also keep TABCO members informed.
TABCO works to keep the community and the media informed on educational issues. The TABCO President serves as the spokesperson representing the teachers' point-of-view to the school board, the county council, the politicians, the parent groups, the business leaders, and other community organizations.
TABCO's political action program includes recommendation for support and campaign assistance for friends of education, legislative lobbying for pro-education laws, and lobbying for education funding. TABCO and MSEA are working to get legislation passed that will improve teacher pension benefits.
One million dollars of coverage is provided to each member. This coverage is provided for all charges of neglect of duty or other civil complaints. Criminal charges are covered when the employee is found not guilty.
A full-time President, an Executive Director, and five professional UniServ staff serve members' needs. Teacher volunteers serve on a variety of committees. Secretarial and professional staff are available to answer calls and keep TABCO services operating. Contact Information: 305 E. Joppa Rd., Towson, MD 21286, 410-828-6403.