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.
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
Anti-LGBTQ+ policies and laws—plus hateful rhetoric—make it difficult for educators to teach.
Let’s bring real change
“[The people discriminating against me] have never been in my classroom and are assuming I'm teaching children awful things. They’re complaining that I need to ‘just do my job.’ I do my job every day, but they were making it difficult for me to do it because they were harassing me online 24/7.... But having the support of the union has meant a lot to me. I felt very alone when all of this started, and so knowing that I now have my union behind me is very helpful.”
— Blaine Banghart, elementary music teacher, Louisiana
Read more of Blaine's story
In the past year, starting teacher pay in states with collective bargaining increased more than in states without bargaining.
Let’s bring real change
“Labor makes a difference in peoples’ lives and we really need to raise our collective voice and band together—because when we do, we win.”
— Georgia Flowers-Lee, special education teacher, California
Learn how you and your union can have an impact
Firearms are the leading cause of death for African American children, and the second leading cause of death for all American children.
Let’s bring real change
“As a survivor, I think it’s important to maintain hope and momentum for change, so families and communities don’t go through what we did 23 years ago. As a teacher, I don’t want to walk into classrooms and wonder what I could use to barricade the doors. And as a father—and as educator—I want kids to be safe… After 23 years, it’s hard for people to maintain hope. I get that. I kind of look to March for Our Lives as an inspiration, with young survivors leading the way. It refills my cup of hope.”
— Zach Martin, high school teacher, Columbine, Colorado
Educators share their grief, hope, and resolve
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.
Ensuring Safe School Communities
NEA remains committed to ending gun violence in our nation’s public schools and communities. Access our resources to support the mental health of students and educators, cope with crisis, and advocate for safer schools.
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.