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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.
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“We must actively promote and champion the vital role education support professionals play within our school communities and advocate for the professional recognition and pay they deserve.”
Quote by: Becky Pringle, NEA President

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.
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Be a voice for each and every student.

Students have a right to a safe, welcoming, and affirming learning environment in a school that respects and values them and is free of bias. Learn about issues affecting our students and how you can help students succeed.
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Advocate for your rights & working conditions.

Those who serve our students and communities need the support, resources, and working conditions to excel in their work. The power and influence of the NEA community are here to help you understand your rights and improve your working conditions.
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Achieve professional excellence and become a leader in your profession.

Being an education professional requires passion, dedication, confidence, and resilience. Our community helps educators at all stages in their career become leaders in their profession, in their union, and in their communities. Explore how you can achieve professional excellence and mentor others through leadership development.
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Advance justice with us.

Institutional racism prevents students from getting the opportunities they deserve. See how you can bring racial and social justice into our schools and transform our communities.

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

Robin McNair speaks about restorative justice practices in schools
“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

9 female educators from the Verona, Wisconsin School District pose for a group photo
“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

Meg Gruber stands near flowers outside the NEA building in Washington DC
“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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Education News Relevant 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 and trends. Browse stories by topic, access the latest issue of NEA Today magazine, and celebrate educators and public schools.
National Education Association

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.