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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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
Connecting content to real life and making it more emotional for students, makes it easier to remember.
Let’s bring real change
“I love to talk about my kids. When we get to Piaget’s stages of learning, I talk about my 7-year-old son. Not only does that give them a more concrete example, but it also gets them thinking about their own siblings, whatever it is their baby sister did, and it helps them practice where [the stages of learning] appear in real life. It definitely helps with remembering stuff.”
— Blake Harvard, Alabama psychology teacher
Read more learning tips from psychology teachers
Eight states have passed laws that prevent educators from discussing topics that include conscious and unconscious bias, privilege, discrimination, oppression, and sexism.
Let’s bring real change
“Talking about race and racism is inextricable from talking about U.S. history. It’s in our standards. It’s part of the reality of what it is to live in the United States, and there are teachers who are dedicated to being anti-racist educators…and so not being able to talk openly and have difficult conversations with students hinders that practice.”
— Karen Sun, Nashville social studies teacher
Learn how NEA is supporting honesty in education
Educators are uniquely positioned to provide support and resources to LGBTQ students, who may lack support at home.
Let’s bring real change
One way to affirm students’ various identities is to ask ALL students which personal pronouns they identify with—not just the students you suspect may be transgender or gender nonbinary. It’s a simple way of letting LGBTQ+ students know that you’re there for them and modeling the behavior for all students.
— Amber Myrrh Ingram, ESL elementary school teacher
Find more ways to support LGBTQ students in our toolkit
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.
Why Pronouncing Students' Names Correctly is So Important
What's in a name? Sometimes everything, so educators should be aware how repeatedly mispronouncing it can have a lasting, negative impact. Getting names right can help create a learning environment in which all students feel valued and respected.
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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.