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
Chicago Public Schools that implemented restorative justice policies saw a 35% reduction of student arrests in school.
Let’s bring real change
“If schools continue to enforce punitive discipline policies, schools will never provide equitable learning environments for all our students. I realized I was contributing to the school to prison pipeline and once I realized that, I started to devote my time to dismantle it....There has been progress—but what I’m seeing as school systems take up the fight, many tend to push out programs and initiatives that are rushed and don’t take the time to properly explore where and what the needs are. We have to be deliberate and intentional in our work, regardless of how long it may take.”
— Robin McNair, restorative practices coordinator, Prince George's County, Marlyand
Read the latest research on restorative practices
In Verona, Wisconsin, some women were getting paid nearly $20,000 less than male educators with fewer years of experience doing the same jobs—until the union stepped in.
Let’s bring real change
“I’m very much a believer in the union....This was never just about just me or the ten of us alone. I wanted to make sure everybody was fairly compensated, so I’m very proud of the work we were able to do as a union, to fix the salary schedule on a whole.”
— Marlene Koch (front row, left), school psychologist
How a local union closed the gender pay gap
Over 2.7 million Americans are affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset regulations, which slash Social Security and pension benefits.
Let’s bring real change
“When I explain all of this to my colleagues, the first thing they say is, ‘That can’t be right--that’s not fair!’ We have 45,000 people in Virginia alone who are affected, even though we are not a GPO/WEP state....We’ve got to keep educating our own members on this issue so they will continue to call and write and lobby for change. You do not need to be from a GPO/WEP state to ask your members of Congress to support this bill.”
— Meg Gruber, former teacher and NEA-Retired Legislative Committee chair, Virginia
How educators are fighting to repeal GPO/WEP
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.
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Celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month
We have lesson plans, activities, resources, and recommended books to help students explore and celebrate Native American culture.
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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.