In response to needs expressed in the charter school community, the California Network of Educational Charters (CANEC) developed the Charter School Employee Membership. This new membership category was created to provide support to charter school employees, to promote collaboration in charter schools, and to offer an option for charter school employees to become part of the statewide charter school community.

The CANEC Employee Membership is for any employee in the school community. A charter school employee could be a teacher, a member of the administrative staff, a custodian, or a para-professional. Through membership for charter schools and employees, CANEC is eager to provide the support and tools necessary to make collaboration more attainable. CANEC will strive to assure that the services and products offered to our members are in the best interest of all members.

It is expected that the Employee Membership will evolve as the needs of the community develop and change. Please be aware that there are opportunities for individuals interested in helping shape the direction of membership and be a spokesperson for the members in their area through an advisory council.

The scope of CANEC's work is not limited to serving one group for one specific purpose. CANEC members include charter schools, employees, parents, individuals interested in supporting the charter concept, education organizations, developing charter groups, and businesses. Individuals and groups join CANEC for different reasons. Some may enjoy being part of a community working towards a common goal, some may benefit from the networking opportunities CANEC fosters, some see CANEC's advocacy work as vital, some may want to stay informed, while others may desire the benefits and services CANEC provides through membership. Whatever the reason for joining CANEC, it seems clear that the underlying motive to be involved in this reform movement for everyone is one thing … the children.