The GREA represents over 1700 teachers and other professionals who work for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. We are affiliated with the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association.

As an organization dedicated to the principles of representative democracy, each building or program in the Grand Rapids Public Schools District is entitled to elect one delegate for every 15 members to serve as a GREA representative. It is the duty of each representative to serve their constituents faithfully as a confidant and advisor in labor-related issues, a liason between the members they represent and the administration, and as a voting member of the Representative Assembly. 

The Representative Assembly is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, and it is there that the business of the Association is conducted on behalf of the members. As such, it is often the GREA representatives who are most "in the know" about what is taking place behind the scenes in the District. Your RA Delegate is expected to hold a brief meeting on the 4th Monday of each month to keep GREA members informed and answer any questions they may have. As such, basic questions or concerns should always be brought first to your Association representative.

In addition, the GREA has officers and an Executive Board elected by the membership to assist in making Association decisions. Your Association President, Paul Helder, has been released from his teaching duties by the District in order to represent the GREA's 1700+ members full time. He operates under the GREA contract, and receives the same wages and benefits as any other teacher. He is available at 957-4732, and is assisted by a full time Secretary (provided by GREA funds).

The GREA office (3205 Eaglecrest Dr NE -- off the East Beltline, just north of Leonard) is staffed by three fully-trained, experienced labor relations professionals (called "UniServ Directors") who assist in negotiating the master agreement, providing grievance representation, handling public relations, and carrying out the mission of the GREA ("Supporting the people who support our children"). These UniServ Directors are provided by the MEA and are assisted by two full-time UniServ Assistants (also provided by MEA).