A festival of inspiration, reflection, and joy
Join us next week for our annual Conference on Racial and Social Justice, a free two-day event featuring appearances from a dozen artists, musicians, and idea-makers.
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
When the pressures to do well academically, look good, and fit in collide, school can be an anxiety-producing place, and even more so for LGBTQ students facing bullying.
Let’s bring real change
“I remember some teachers and students would tell me, “Oh, you're young. You don’t really know.” To me that sidetracks the conversation. It’s saying, you can be that … for now. It was inconsiderate, and it was not validating what I was saying. It made school unsafe and made me suicidal. I remember having awful mental health issues. I'm still trying to learn and cope with it, but had I stayed [at my previous school], I don't think I would be here today.”
— Luke Chacko, ninth-grade student, Texas
LGBTQ+ students share how educators can support them
When educators respect and affirm the intersecting identities of LGBTQ students, they create a welcoming learning environment.
Let’s bring real change
“I feel being trans and mixed-race does affect me because I become the token diversity person at my school. I’m transgender. I’m mixed-race. If we’re talking about transgender issues in class, I feel the need to speak on it even when I’m not feeling the best of my identity. It’s like I don’t have a choice.”
— Gia Parr, high school senior, Connecticut
Stand against hate and bias
67% of LGBTQ students hear their families make negative comments about LGBTQ people.
Let’s bring real change
“The curriculum isn’t very inclusive. If a class is offered, you need to look hard for it, because it’s not promoted. I had an English class this year that focused on human rights and LGBTQ+ issues. I learned so much about my past and the history of LGBTQ+ people in America. It’s the most interesting class I’ve taken in high school.”
— Joseph Reed, high school graduate, California
Learn more about NEA's trainings on safety, bias, and LGBTQ issues
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.
‘Extreme Need’ for Mental Health Professionals
How community schools help meet the mental health needs of students, especially after the trauma of the pandemic.
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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.