"[4] Elizabeth Gressette argued that teachers, including herself were pressured into joining organizations like The South Carolina Education Association without a fair choice.
The newly-founded PSTA argued for "a restoration of the professional status of teachers and putting the public back in control of its schools and that..educators should be free from all forms of compulsory membership.
[2] In February 2005, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed an act to commend Gressette for her leadership as executive director of the PSTA, declaring: "under Dr. Gressette’s leadership...the Palmetto State Teachers Association has grown to over six thousand members, with local chapters established throughout the State, as well as student chapters at Winthrop University, the University of South Carolina, Converse, and Columbia College.
[9] Further, the organization provides benefits to member teachers, including legal assistance up to $3,000,000, legislative representation, scholarships, and professional development.
[4] While the organization is officially non-partisan, its executive director ran for South Carolina's superintendent of education as a Republican, opposing measures such as critical race theory and supporting public school choice.