The National Education Association
Vision, Mission and Values

Adopted at the 2006 NEA Representative Assembly

The National Education Association
We, the members of the National Education Association of the United States, are the
voice of education professionals. Our work is fundamental to the nation, and we accept
the profound trust placed in us.

Our Vision
Our vision is a great public school for every student.

Our Mission
Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and
the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed
in a diverse and interdependent world.

Our Core Values
These principles guide our work and define our mission:

Equal Opportunity. We believe public education is the gateway to opportunity. All
students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their
potential, independence, and character.

A Just Society. We believe public education is vital to building respect for the worth,
dignity, and equality of every individual in our diverse society.

Democracy. We believe public education is the cornerstone of our republic. Public
education provides individuals with the skills to be involved, informed, and engaged in
our representative democracy.

Professionalism. We believe that the expertise and judgment of education professionals
are critical to student success. We maintain the highest professional standards, and we
expect the status, compensation, and respect due all professionals.

Partnership. We believe partnerships with parents, families, communities, and other
stakeholders are essential to quality public education and student success.

Collective Action. We believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for
the common good. As education professionals, we improve both our professional status
and the quality of public education when we unite and advocate collectively.

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