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
Forty-two percent of LGBTQ youth said they seriously considered suicide in 2021.
Let’s bring real change
“LGBTQ+ students are at an extreme disadvantage in schools where they are not accepted. In classrooms where educators affirm only opposite-sex relationships and narrowly defined expressions of gender, LGBTQ+ students will feel unheard or inadequate. They will wonder if they should trust or value all of the identities that make them who they are.”
— Amber Myrrh Ingram, ESL elementary school teacher, New Jersey
How can schools and educators help?
Ninety-four percent of LGTBQ youth reported that anti-trans legislation negatively affects their mental health.
Let’s bring real change
“Every child deserves to have teachers who share their experiences and identities because these adults provide hope and proof that a fulfilling life is possible. For our growing number of trans and nonbinary and questioning students, I get to be that proof.”
— Sam Long, science teacher, Colorado
Create a safe school climate for students and staff
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.