The National Education Association (NEA) has redesigned the NEA Organizing Fellowship Academy (NOFA) to allow a significant increase in the number of members who can receive organizing training and hands-on experience in organizing: a new program that rises to meet the moment that our unions now face. While participation in this program does not guarantee future employment, the organizing training at the heart of the entire experience is intended to foster skills that are most conducive to success in potential future union staff roles.
Application Timeline:
Interested candidates may apply for consideration from August 15, 2026 – October 1, 2026. Each state affiliate will need to approve interested candidates to move to Phase I of the program. Approval must be completed by October 31, 2026. Approved candidates will receive notification from NEA by November 15, 2026.
State affiliates are asked to identify a NOFA state liaison to coordinate with NEA and review applications from prospective candidates. The Executive Director is the default state liaison. Please get in touch with your Regional Director should you wish to delegate this responsibility to another manager.
The state affiliate is responsible for selecting the staff member who will serve as the participant’s shadowing host during Phases I & II of the program. All notifications related to program acceptance and participant advancement will be issued by NEA.
Phase I: Foundational Training and Shadowing
Candidates approved by their state affiliate will participate in this initial phase, running from January 11 through March 1, 2027.
During Phase I, accepted candidates will:
- Participate in biweekly organizing training sessions and receive structured guidance.
- Complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours shadowing a UniServ Director or Field Representative during this seven-week period.
Please note:
- Shadowing must occur outside of the candidate’s regular work hours.
- This component is voluntary and unpaid.
- Candidates should expect to participate in shadowing before or after work, as well as evenings and weekends.
Phase II: Advanced Training and Continued Field Experience
Up to thirty (30) candidates selected from Phase I will be invited to attend a NEA-sponsored, three-day intensive training scheduled for April 2 - 4, 2027.
This phase includes:
- Continued development building on Phase I learning.
- Ongoing biweekly training and mentorship.
- Continued shadowing of a UniServ Director or Field Representative from March 1 through May 1, 2027.
- Complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours shadowing a UniServ Director or Field Representative during this eight-week period.
- This component is voluntary and unpaid.
Travel, lodging, and meals associated with the in-person training will be funded by NEA.
Candidates who successfully complete Phase II will be encouraged to apply for Phase III.
Phase III: Fellowship Placement and Field Assignment
Up to twelve (12) candidates will be notified of their acceptance into Phase III by May 15. If accepted into this phase of the program, candidates will be required to resign from any active governance positions by July 15.
Program requirements include:
- Requesting and being granted a leave of absence no later than June 15, 2027, for the first semester of the 2027–2028 school year, which allows for reimbursement to your school district by NEA for the candidate’s salary and benefits.
- Attending a mandatory two-week training scheduled for July 26, – August 8, 2027 which will include intensive instruction and field experience.
Travel, lodging, and meals for this training will be provided by NEA and at NEA’s expense.
Following this training, fellows will:
- Be assigned to work with a state affiliate (which may differ from their home affiliate) from August 16 through November 13, 2027.
- Be paired with a mentor who will facilitate the fellow’s active contribution to an organizing campaign.
- Participate in monthly virtual meetings in support of program outcomes and ongoing organizing training.
NEA will provide:
- Travel and housing throughout the fellowship period, along with a daily meal stipend.
- Return travel to the fellow’s home twice a month. (Any additional travel will be at the fellow’s expense.)
- Reimbursement to the fellow’s employer to maintain the candidate’s current salary and benefits, coordinated in partnership with the state affiliate.
- Ongoing organizing training and support.
Program Completion
Fellows who successfully complete this final phase of the program will attend a graduation ceremony held in conjunction with the NEA Organizing Conference in November (date and location to be determined).
Completion of the NOFA program does not in any way constitute a guarantee of future employment with NEA or any NEA state or local affiliate.
For additional information, please contact [email protected].
Northeast Region: Mark Simons ([email protected])
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