Noel Candelaria is Vice President of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest labor union and professional organization representing more than three million educators. A special education teacher from El Paso, Texas, Noel brings to national leadership a lifelong commitment to public education, educator organizing, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive.
The proud son of Mexican immigrant parents, Noel began his career as a teacher's aide before becoming a special education teacher. Working alongside students who had too often been overlooked or pushed to the margins shaped his understanding that education changes lives, but only when educators have the voice, resources, and collective power to advocate for every student. Those experiences continue to define his leadership today.
Throughout his career, Noel has led with one guiding principle: our greatest strength has always been each other. From local classrooms to the national stage, he has worked to build educator power through organizing, leadership development, coalition building, and unwavering advocacy for students, educators, and public schools.
Before his election as NEA Vice President in 2026, Noel served as NEA Secretary-Treasurer, helping ensure the Association's financial strength while investing in the work that grows membership, develops leaders, and builds lasting power. He also served as President of the Texas State Teachers Association and the Ysleta Teachers Association, where he helped lead successful efforts to strengthen public education and elevate educator voice.
As Vice President, Noel is committed to helping lead an NEA that is organized, inclusive, and future-focused. His vision is to strengthen local unions, champion racial and social justice, defend academic freedom, embrace innovation responsibly, and ensure every educator is respected as the expert professional our students deserve. He believes that when educators are united, communities are stronger, democracy is healthier, and public education remains the foundation of opportunity for every child.
Nationally recognized for his leadership, Noel was appointed by President Joe Biden to the President's Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. He continues to serve on numerous national boards and commissions advancing public education, civil rights, and educator leadership.
Noel is also a dynamic and energetic speaker and organizer, frequently called upon to speak about racial and social justice, classroom culture, and developing strong, justice-centered education leaders. He inspires educators across the country with a message grounded in hope, courage, and collective action: together we have the power to shape the future of public education and strengthen our democracy for generations to come.
Noel and his wife, Dr. Patty Candelaria, an accomplished educator, are proud parents of two children. Together, they remain deeply committed to serving educators, students, and communities across America.
"Together, we build power so every student can thrive, every educator is respected, and public education remains the foundation of our democracy."
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