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
Nationally, teachers are paid 21.4 percent less than similarly educated and experienced professionals.
Let’s bring real change
“You pay the bills, and you look at what’s left and you decide, ‘OK, what do I do without this month?’”
— Georgia Flowers Lee, special education teacher, Los Angeles
Learn about how #RedforEd is helping even out the gender pay gap
Across all professions, American women are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to men, but the disparity is worse for women of color.
Let’s bring real change
“In schools across America, we tell girls they can be anything they want. They can run schools. They can run companies. They can run for president. But women still can’t get paid for the value of our knowledge, skills, and talents. We must use all our fire power to change the way things are. After all, the old saying goes that, ‘Women hold up half the sky.’ It’s about time we got equal pay for it.”
— Lily Eskelsen García, former NEA President
Learn more about NEA's history of women leaders fighting for equal pay and access to education
For many Black students and families, public schools are the heart of our communities—but far too many have been overlooked, neglected, and forgotten by those in power.
Let’s bring real change
We demand investment in the physical, mental, and economic growth and health of Black people... Together, we can rewrite the rules and hold decision makers accountable to guarantee justice for Black lives in our schools and communities.
— Becky Pringle, NEA President
Watch how we stand together
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.
New Jersey’s Kimberly Scott-Hayden Named 2021 NEA ESP of the Year
Even while she was furloughed during the pandemic, Kimberly Scott-Hayden used her connections, demeanor, and problem-solving skills to make sure every student was fed. “We can—and do—have a great impact on students, both through our job responsibilities and through the simplest acts of caring about them,” she says.
Stay Informed We'll come to you
From education news to action alerts to member benefits-we're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for your students, and support public education. 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.