Support the Freedom to Learn
We believe that all children, no matter where they live or how much money their parents make, deserve an honest, accurate, and inclusive public education that we know—from our experience as educators—will benefit all students.
We’re here to make sure that 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.
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Achieve professional excellence and become a leader in your profession.
Advance justice with us.
Are you an affiliate?
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
School bands bring many benefits, including academic achievement, physical fitness, and building school community.
Let’s bring real change
“After the pandemic, students were jumping at the opportunity to play as a group again. We’ve finally restored that sense of community within the band that brings everyone together....For me, it’s about building those strong relationships with the students. Seeing them grow, musically and emotionally, that’s what it’s all about.”
— Timothy Grant, Director of Bands, Alexandria, Virginia
Read more about the return of the school band
Social and emotional learning is the latest target in the education ‘culture wars,’ but polls show that parents overwhelmingly support SEL.
Let’s bring real change
“We’ve known for a long time that students have a need for these regulation tools, but now because everyone has experienced the pandemic and trauma, we all know what it means to be anxious, even traumatized....If we build in those SEL practices, we can help them identify their emotions. That’s huge. If you give them the opportunity name their feelings it gives them the ability to identify the emotion and they realize, ‘OK, I’m having an emotion and I’m not the emotion.’”
— Gina Harris, culture and climate coach, Illinois
Learn the truth. SEL Works
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first substantive change to gun safety laws in over 20 years, includes school safety programs.
Let’s bring real change
“We’ve entered into a time when schools cannot just focus on academics. We relentlessly screen kids to determine their math and reading levels; we also need to do screenings to find out if they’ve had a loss, if they have one stable adult at home, if they have lost housing. There are so many conversations that accompany how to address gun violence.”
— Eva Mays, clinical social worker, Los Angeles Unified School District
How educators are urging action on gun violence
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.
Black History Month Lessons & Resources
Bring Black history into your classroom in February and all year long, with this selection of K-12 activities, lesson plans, and resources.
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.