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.
Advocate for your rights & working conditions.
Achieve professional excellence and become a leader in your profession.
Advance justice with us.
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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
The federal share of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has fallen to less than 14 percent, the lowest level since 2001 and far less than what was promised.
Let’s bring real change
“We are not going to be a country that is truly democratic if all children are not able to receive the education that they need, whether they are white, Black, Brown, Indigenous, disabled or not....If you don’t demand what you believe in for yourself, you’re not going to get it.”
— Judy Heumann, disability rights activist and 2021 NEA Friend of Education
Learn more about Judy's activism
43% of education support professionals are required to have a special certificate and licenses are mandatory for 29%. College credits are compulsory for 32%.
Let’s bring real change
“We’ve been using the NEA ESP Professional Growth Continuum to highlight standards and areas where members have said they needed more support. With professional development that spark has been lit from within, and my members are empowered. They’re diving deeper, learning more, working independently and asking how to get more training.”
— Kimberly Scott-Hayden, inventory clerk, president of the East Orange Maintenance Association, and 2021 Education Support Professional of the Year
Elevate your career with the ESP Professional Growth Continuum
Only 3% of higher-ed faculty are Black men and only 2% of K=12 teachers are Black men.
Let’s bring real change
“With so many racial and social injustices affecting our Black, Brown and Indigenous students, I know that my presence—and the recruitment and retention of other Black male educators—is more important than ever before. That is why I never miss an opportunity to talk to my students about whether education may be their calling.”
— Julius B. Thomas , college counselor and 2021 NEA Higher Educator of the Year
Learn more about NEA's Educator Diversity Collective
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.
Re-Imagining Relationships: Returning and Engaging in the Classroom
Student engagement remains a top priority for teachers as we welcome students back into the traditional classroom. Use this webinar to develop or improve on social-emotional learning and safe space practices. Join us August 9 at 7 p.m. ET for this critical professional learning.
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From education news to action alerts to member benefits-we're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for your students, and support public education. 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.