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
The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-to-school counselor ratio of 1 to 250. Most schools are nowhere near that.
Let’s bring real change
“The level of anxiety I’m seeing…it’s clinical anxiety and depression, and it’s dramatically different. Even at the elementary level, I’ve had kids being treated in residential facilities. I didn’t see that when I first started. How do counselors with 750 children identify those supports, make those contacts, and make those interventions? It’s an overwhelming task.”
— Betsy Kanagawa, 16-year school counselor
Learn more about the importance of counselors and SEL
The global pandemic reminded us what research has long shown: SEL is inextricably tied to academic success.
Let’s bring real change
“We all want to be there for our students, but we can’t do that unless we work through our own trauma first. Like for many other educators, this doesn’t come easily to me, so I try to keep learning....I also participated in one of NEA’s professional learning courses on SEL. I picked up a lot of helpful tips, but one lesson has really stuck with me: No matter how your day starts, choose to finish well. I always tell myself, you did do something right today.”
— Shaniqua Williams, school counselor
Learn more about NEA's Social-Emotional Courses
53% of teachers are thinking of leaving the profession—more than before the pandemic
Let’s bring real change
"It's been heartbreaking. These were some rock star teachers [who left]. Right now, I don't think there is enough respect for our voices, and I'm not sure I feel safe going back into the school building."
— Leah Juelke, 2018 North Dakota Teacher of the Year
Read "Educators Ready for Fall, but Teacher Shortage Looms"
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.
NEA Hurricane Ida Relief Fund
NEA Member Benefits has established a relief fund to assist NEA members affected by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.
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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.