About Us

The National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA) is a caucus of local affiliates of the National Education Association (NEA), which is dedicated to strengthening member advocacy and making the NEA more responsive to member needs.

Add your local's voice to the united voice for urban concerns within the NEA.

Meet Our Officers
Frequently Asked Questions
Constitution & Bylaws

Our Goals

The mission of the National Council of Urban Education Associations is to promote quality teaching and learning in urban public schools.

In carrying out this mission, NCUEA has established the following goals and strategies:

I.United Voice | II. Partnership with NEA | III. Partnerships with Education-Focused Organizations| IV. Training for Urban Leaders | V. Human and Civil Rights | VI. Diversity | VII. Communication | VIII. Staff/Leadership Relationships | IX. Quality Working Conditions

I. Serve as the united voice for urban associations
within NEA

• Maintain a high profile of visibility and advocate for urban interests by observing the meetings of the NEA Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and the Program and Budget Committee.
• Communicate regularly with the NEA President and other NEA Officers to lobby on behalf of NCUEA issues.
• Recommend NCUEA members for appointment to NEA committees and task forces that deal with issues impacting urban associations.
• Participate in regional leadership and other NEA sponsored conferences.
• Organize support for urban issues at the NEA Representative Assembly.

II. Work in partnership with NEA divisions, state affiliates, caucuses, programs to ensure quality urban schools

• Establish NCUEA liaisons with NEA initiatives that impact urban schools and associations.
• Work in collaboration with appropriate groups to develop national, state, and local standards for quality schools.
• Facilitate an annual Urban Issues Forum.
• Establish communication links with chairs of other NEA caucuses.

III. Build partnerships with education-focused organizations outside of the NEA

• Collaborate with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
• Establish relationships with the Council of Great City Schools, National PTA, National School Board Association, National Elementary Principals Association, National Middle School Association, National High School Principals Association, the AFT, etc.
• Participate in The Teacher Union Reform Network (TURN).

IV. Provide and promote training for urban leaders
related to:

• Current issues
• Leadership skills
• Advocacy and capacity building
• Organizational development
• Relationship building
• Conflict resolution
• Management of the local association
• Hold an annual NCUEA Fall Conference focusing on training and leadership development.
• Advise staff of NEA Training and Organizational Development division on training needs and critical issues facing urban leaders.
• Support local associations in providing training for local Executive Board members.

V. Work to secure and maintain human and civil rights

• Advocate for human and civil rights issues within NEA
• Provide training regarding human and civil rights issues.

VI. Promote diversity within NCUEA and member locals

• Provide opportunities for minority leaders to network within NCUEA.
• Gather and disseminate successful strategies for increasing minority involvement.
• Promote the involvement of emerging minority leaders through Discovery Grants.

VII. Provide communication among member locals regarding urban concerns

• NCUEA News
• NCUEA Member Directory
• Urban Issues Forum
• Dissemination of pertinent information

VIII. Facilitate productive staff/leadership relationships

• Provide training on building positive relationships.
• Facilitate the development of a mediation process for staff/leader conflict.

IX. Advocate for quality working conditions in urban schools

• Support organizing and bargaining.
• Continue membership in the Safe Schools Coalition, Inc.
• Lobby for state and federal legislation funding to support public education.
• Assist locals in forming coalitions to support children, families, and public education.

Note: These goals and strategies reflect a comprehensive approach to organizational effectiveness and are not ranked in any particular order.

fall 1999