This Back to School Season, Join Your Union
When educators are heard, respected, and given the resources we need, we can give students our very best. With more members like you, we will have an even stronger voice to improve our daily lives and the lives of our students.
We’re here to make sure 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.
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 bring real change
Let’s get real
When classroom materials are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people and history, LGBTQ+ students experience less harassment and do better in school.
Let’s bring real change
“I thought that despite my due diligence in selecting books, I had done something wrong. The books that were chosen were deliberate and mirrored the stories of the LGBTQ+ youth in the club. I felt very alone, and suddenly the library and my work for students were a liability. That is, until my union called me and provided support.”
— Keith Willard, social studies teacher, Pennsylvania
Read: Keith Willard was targeted for creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students
High school students in career and technical education (CTE) programs are more likely to remain in school and graduate on time.
Let’s bring real change
“I didn’t really make friends throughout middle school because I didn’t understand the language. What I really resorted to was food. I went home. I made food. I had fun! Once I came to high school and saw that I could have fun making food, that I could compete for my future, I was like this is what I have to do.”
— Nellie Beato (center), high school student and cooking competition winner, New Jersey
Step inside the kitchen with Nellie and her team as they prep for their next cooking competion
Thirty-three percent of all school support staff working full‐time earn less than $25,000 per year, and 11 percent earn less than $15,000.
Let’s bring real change
“They eliminate positions and then increase our workload by redistributing the work of those eliminated to those of us who are still here. A lot of us, even in higher education, have second jobs or live with roommates just to make ends meet. We aren’t asking for much. None of us expect to get rich. But we deserve a living wage because we are essential.”
— Jariza Rodriguez, administrative assistant, University of Massachusetts-Boston
Read: New Rule on Overtime Will Boost Pay for Thousands of School Support Staff
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.
- Bullying
- Collective Bargaining
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- Education Funding
- English Language Learning
- Federal Legislation
- Gun Violence
- Immigration
- Mental Health
- Politics & Campaigns
- Privatization
- Racial & Social Justice
- School Climate
- Trauma
- Voting Rights
- Workplace Conditions
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
To help celebrate and educate about the contributions of Hispanic Americans and Hispanic culture, check out our curated list of lessons, activities, videos, and more.
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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.