This Back to School Season, Join Your Union
When educators are heard, respected, and given the resources we need, we can give students our very best. With more members like you, we will have an even stronger voice to improve our daily lives and the lives of our students.
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.
We are Speaking Up For
The Price We Pay for Vouchers
The Price We Pay for Vouchers
Voucher programs harm public schools and entire communities. Why are some elected leaders forcing them on us?
What a New Survey Says About Teachers’ Plans to Leave Their Jobs
What a New Survey Says About Teachers’ Plans to Leave Their Jobs
Despite some signs of progress, well-being and low pay are still major challenges.
Who is Sara Lopez Garcia to her Professors?
Who is Sara Lopez Garcia to her Professors?
The talented New York college student was abducted by ICE last month.
How Flexible Seating Can Boost Classroom Engagement
How Flexible Seating Can Boost Classroom Engagement
Meet two educators who say they’ve noticed negative behaviors decreasing after bringing more seating options to students.
A Fight, A Teacher, and a System Without Support
A Fight, A Teacher, and a System Without Support
Restorative justice or reactive chaos? What schools must do to keep students and teachers safe.
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.
Achieve professional excellence
Your Rights and Working Conditions
Advance justice with us
Are you an affiliate?
Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Let’s bring real change
Let’s get real
NEA members advocate for better pay and benefits, better working conditions, and better learning conditions for students.
Let’s bring real change
"I’m a proud union member because it provides us with better training, better teachers, and better service for students."
— Glenn Charlie , Elementary Teacher’s Aide, Alaska
Check out our Back to School Guide to Union Membership
When educators have a seat at the table, school districts get adequate funding, students receive the attention they need, and educators get the respect they deserve.
Let’s bring real change
“My cousin thought I should run for the Utah House of Representatives because the representative for my district was not a good supporter of public education. I had read negative press statements of his like ‘teachers are a bunch of whiners,’ after we had gone on strike. Because of that call, I decided to run.”
— Carol Spackman Moss, former English teacher, NEA-Retired member, and Utah state representative
Learn more about NEA's See Educators Run training program
There is power in numbers—whether the issue is class sizes or clean water, we are stronger when we raise our voices together.
Let’s bring real change
“May we all learn to build the same kind of resilience our ancestors did as we face of our current adversities; may we endeavor to build our power through allyship with our community partners, and may we continue to fight for the respect we deserve as professionals in our respective fields regardless of our classifications....We must remain true to who we are and never ever diminish our light and its brightness because how else can we light a path for those who will come behind us?”
— Teresa M. Hodge, 2025 Higher Educator of the Year
Watch: Teresa addresses NEA educators
What’s on Your Mind?
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.
- Bullying
- Collective Bargaining
- College Affordability
- COVID-19
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Education Funding
- English Language Learning
- Federal Legislation
- Gun Violence
- Immigration
- Mental Health
- Politics & Campaigns
- Privatization
- Racial & Social Justice
- School Climate
- Trauma
- Union Organizing
- Voting Rights
- Workplace Conditions
The 2025-26 Read Across America Book Recommendations are Here!
Looking for ways to bring diverse titles into your classroom and help students engage with their reading? Then check out this year's list of monthly, teacher-recommended books, searchable by reading level and theme, and accompanied by discussion questions and learning activities.
Stay Informed We'll come to you
We're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for public school students, and stay up to date on the latest education news. Sign up to stay informed
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.