We’re here to make sure every student & educator succeeds.
The National Education Association (NEA) is more than 3 million people—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.
Our best hope for student success is you.
Your passion and commitment are crucial to helping all students—of all colors and backgrounds—learn, grow, and fulfill their potential. Here’s how you can get started.
Advocate for your rights & working conditions.
Achieve professional excellence and become a leader in your profession.
Advance justice with us.
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Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Our journey began more than a century ago. Yours starts now.
We’ve spent decades working for students and educators—but, there’s still more to do. Like our progress during the civil rights and women’s rights movements, we need to dig in and speak up for the students and educators who are still facing inequality every day.
Let’s get real
Let’s bring real change
Let’s get real
Eighty percent of parents agree that lessons about climate change should be taught.
Let’s bring real change
“In the beginning, they were bringing it up in a hopeful way, like we could try different things to stop the worst outcomes. But at the rate that change is happening, now when students bring it up it’s not in a way of hope....What I’m teaching in Arizona will not look identical to what teachers in Minnesota and Florida are teaching about. Starting with our students’ lived experiences and helping them ask the right questions is the best place to start.”
— Dylan Wince, high school teacher, Arizona
Meet the challenge of teaching climate change
According to U.S. Department of Education data, specific racial groups tend to fall within specific disability categories at higher rates.
Let’s bring real change
“People make a lot of judgment calls. Those biases … play into your beliefs around the child's capacity. This crosses color lines too. We need all educators to check their own bias about how they show up and allow their perceptions of the community they live within [or outside of] impact the way they make recommendations for kids.”
— Nikki Woodward, special education teacher, Maryland
Learn more about implicit bias in special education
An NEA survey revealed that 17 percent of teachers and 22 percent of support staff had “moderate or serious problems” making rent or mortgage payments.
Let’s bring real change
“Santa Fe is a beautiful place and I love teaching. Can I live here on my salary? Yes, but it has been very difficult....I’m at the top of my salary schedule. I cannot imagine how a new teacher is supposed to cope. Our pay raise was great news, but by itself it may not be enough to keep people in the profession. We’ve not been able to fill positions at my school. It’s a little scary.”
— Zoe Gierman, elementary school teacher, New Mexico
Learn how unions are helping to solve the educator housing crisis.
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We’re here to help. Our community comes to us seeking tools (guides, reports, trainings, and more) to help answer everyday questions. We’re here to support you in whatever you need.
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Teaching About Climate Change with Earth Day Activity Guides
Find K-12 lesson plans, teaching tips, ideas for differentiation, and teacher-tested advice for your April 22 curriculum and beyond.
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Great public schools for every student
The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest
professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of
public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of
education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has
affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities
across the United States.