This Back to School Season, Join Your Union
When educators are heard, respected, and given the resources we need, we can give students our very best. With more members like you, we will have an even stronger voice to improve our daily lives and the lives of our students.
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
The educator shortage has reached crisis levels. Learning from those who choose to continue teaching offers insights into what solutions are needed.
Let’s bring real change
“I rely on those times when we come together to talk about our struggles honestly and openly. When you realize, ‘Oh, they’re having the same problem! Oh, it’s not just me,’ it helps a lot. There are so many times when we feel we’re in isolated silos, so when you can connect with colleagues, you get that bigger perspective that makes you feel less alone.”
— Kevin Adams, social studies teacher, Denver
Read what keeps educators in their profession
Anti-LGBTQ+ bills, like the “Don't Say Gay” law in Florida, are intensifying the mental-health issues of LGBTQ+ students.
Let’s bring real change
“It really angers me. This is a threat to students’ mental health. They are putting kids’ lives in danger. LGBTQ students are looking on and are being told that what they are is so bad, so dangerous, that they can’t even talk about it in school.”
— Octavio Hernandez, math teacher, Florida
How educators fight back against gag orders, book bans, and intimidation
Almost 20 percent of teachers leave the profession because of low pay.
Let’s bring real change
“Many veteran teachers like me love our students and love teaching, but we didn’t see hope in making salary gains. And some of us were planning to retire early, making the teacher shortage crisis in Hawaii worse. “We are here to stay if we can afford it! Addressing salary compression gives us hope and will encourage veteran teachers to stick around. HSTA’s support ... has made that possible.”
— Victoria Pescaia, technology coordinator, Hawaii
Read more of Victoria's story and other ways unions help educators
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.
What to Know About the Proposed Title IX Regulations
The Biden administration's new Title IX rules would help fulfill the promise of this landmark civil rights legislation. And now, educators and students have the opportunity to weigh in.
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.