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.
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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
Today, many professional internships provide compensation, but student teachers are required to do the work of a full-time educator without pay.
Let’s bring real change
“Teaching is the thing I was called to do, ... the only thing I’ve ever had dreams of doing, and it feels like it’s beating me down. It’s hard. I’ve met so many Aspiring Educators who truly have a fire for teaching. Knowing what’s coming for them is what pushes me to do more, so that they don’t have to work the midnight shift to survive or run themselves ragged to make a buck....We’re looking at government officials to recognize those [student teaching] days should be paid.”
— Jailyn Bridgeforth, Morgan State University senior, Baltimore
Learn how college students are organizing to end unpaid student teaching placements
New legislation would expand the Family Medical Leave Act to ensure it covers the 2.7 million ESPs who are currently blocked from accessing its benefits.
Let’s bring real change
“There are many people who love children and want to be a part of the education process. They want to work in our schools and with our students, but have to choose jobs that will allow them benefits that protect their families. Those ESPs cannot afford to miss a day: Three days in a row taking care of a sick child or parent and they will lose their jobs....In other Illinois districts, ESPs are hired for a maximum of just 5.25 hours a day. If they were allowed to work 15 more minutes, they would qualify for FMLA. It is absurd that someone will lose their job over fifteen minutes if they get sick or need to care for a loved one.”
— Debra Ward-Mitchell, NEA’s 2022 Education Support Professional of the Year
Read more about the proposed legislation
One-third of educators in a national survey reported attempts to limit student access to books in the school library and social and emotional learning.
Let’s bring real change
“This is a small, vocal, but well-organized minority, but [they’re] still intimidating teachers, forcing them to avoid certain topics or certain books out of fear of getting in trouble. It’s the soft censorship that these educators are undertaking that really worries me.”
— Sarah Mulhern Gross, English teacher, New Jersey
Learn more about the culture wars' impact on public schools
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.
Celebrate Poetry Month with Amanda Gorman
Help students discover the role of poetry in their lives and inspire them to write and perform their own words in the service of positive change with these recommendations and resources from award-winning writer and inaugural poet Amanda Gorman.
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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.