National Education Association

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.

ABOUT NEA
Purpose and Power in Community
NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States. We bring the expertise, drive, and dedication of 3 million educators and allies to advancing justice and excellence in public education.

Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.

NEA also believes every student in America, regardless of family income or place of residence, deserves a quality education. In pursuing its mission, NEA has determined that we will focus the energy and resources of our 3.2 million members on improving the quality of teaching, increasing student achievement and making schools safer, better places to learn.

STUDENT SUCCESS
Student success is about their future. And ours.
Each and every student deserves a quality public education. NEA is uniting our members and the nation to ensure all students have the resources they need to fulfill their potential and their dreams.

Educators, leaders, parents, caregivers, neighbors, concerned citizens–we all contribute to giving each and every student an equal opportunity to get a great public education.

We need the working conditions to succeed now—and ensure the next generation of educators joins us.

We believe in taking collective action to ensure the collective good. When we raise our voices, we help every educator get the support they need to join, stay, and thrive in our profession.

We need and deserve fair salaries and benefits. We need and deserve safe workplaces that respect who we are and what we bring to our students. We need and deserve the right to demand change. Let’s redefine the workplace—together.

GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s students. Great public schools will get them ready.
All students deserve schools with the resources, programs, and curriculum to nurture their curiosity, imagination, spirit, talents, and desire to learn.

We know that growth is work. That’s why we’ve created a framework, guide, and grants to support collaboration and innovation–so students in every zip code, in every family, of every background, attend a great public school.

WHAT STUDENTS DESERVE
All students have a basic right to a great public school. This is our vision of what great public schools need and should provide.

BIAS-FREE SCHOOLS
Safe and affirming schools are a core element of student success. When students feel that they are not welcome, their ability to learn and thrive is diminished. We can create schools where every student can learn, regardless of their skin color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Community Schools are public schools that provide services and support that fit each neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the people who know our children best—all working together.

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE
Research shows that effective collaborative partnerships in education lead to greater teacher retention and educator empowerment, more effective communication among stakeholders, and an increase in student success, even in high poverty school districts.

GPS FUND GRANTS
The NEA’s Great Public Schools Fund Grants (GPS Fund Grants) advance the goal of great public schools for every student. GPS Fund Grants are intended to help NEA State and Local Affiliates enhance the quality of public education by developing, implementing and leading an agenda that engages members with an emphasis on student-centered success and well-being through union-led efforts.

ENGAGED FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES
Public schools are the cornerstones of our communities—and our communities make great public schools happen.

Parents, grandparents, caregivers, friends, neighborhood advocates: we all have a role to play in supporting student learning in the classroom and beyond.

Learning happens at home, in school, and everywhere in between. Here’s how you can help our children, wherever you are.

FAMILY SUPPORT
Parents and caregivers are crucial to the education and growth of children.

NURTURING READERS
NEA’s Read Across America grows a love of reading year round.

YOUR RIGHTS & WORKPLACE
We need the working conditions to succeed now—and ensure the next generation of educators joins us.

We believe in taking collective action to ensure the collective good. When we raise our voices, we help every educator get the support they need to join, stay, and thrive in our profession.

FAIR PAY & BENEFITS
You shouldn’t have to choose between following your passion and making a living.
Fair pay and fair benefits ensure the best and brightest can join and stay in our profession–for that’s what our communities deserve.

We’re tackling dignified pay, health care, debt support, and career security, so our incredible educators can stay focused on their students.

PROFESSIONAL PAY
Competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators for our students, throughout their academic journeys.

HEALTH CARE BENEFITS & POLICY
Educators deserve access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage. NEA is here to help.

PENSIONS & RETIREMENT SECURITY
Pensions provide a predictable, guaranteed benefit for educators when they retire and help attract and retain great educators to the profession.

JOB & CAREER SECURITY
No matter their age, from Pre-K to higher ed, our students benefit when all educators—janitorial staff, paraeducators, and college professors alike—are treated like the professionals they are.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
Supporting educator growth and achievement for more than 150 years
In 1857, we asked educators to gather for the “wisdom and power of numerous minds.” Today, 3 million members answer that call, sharing tips, tools, and wisdom from experience to advance professional excellence among all.

Great educators create great public schools. NEA provides the training, tools, and community support for educators to engage students, nurture justice, and excel in their profession.

JUST & EQUITABLE SCHOOLS
Every student deserves a safe, welcoming, affirming learning environment. We provide the tools for educators to make it happen.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Whether you’re new to the profession or embracing a new challenge, we can help you help your students succeed.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
At every stage of your career, NEA helps you grow into your passion and be a leader for your students.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Leadership is more than an event, moment, or position. It’s a journey. And NEA is with you, every step of the way.

CONFERENCES & EVENTS
At NEA national events, members swap stories, share news, challenge each other, learn from leaders — and prepare to change the world.

OUR MEMBERS
Students, educators, workers, allies—we all have a home in our union.
From Atlanta to Albuquerque, Hartford to Honolulu, we support students in all roles and responsibilities. The result? An Association as strong and diverse as its communities.

In eight categories and countless ways, NEA members advance the cause of public education. See how they share their time, energy, and expertise to help all students and educators succeed.

ASPIRING EDUCATORS
NEA’s leading voice for the next generation of teachers.

CLASSROOM TEACHERS
Our nation’s teachers help children achieve academically and learn the skills they will need to be successful and productive citizens.

EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
More than a half million Education Support Professional members take care of our children every day and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in our schools and classrooms.

HIGHER EDUCATION FACULTY & STAFF
The dedicated faculty, staff, and graduate workers of our nation’s colleges and universities help students pursue their passions.

SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL
The more than 1 million Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) who work in our nation’s public schools are key to making sure students have the services they need to succeed.

RETIRED EDUCATORS
NEA-Retired membership today is more than 300,000 strong. Our retirees continue to lead the way for public education and critical issues.

PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Working together, we provide public education and public services to our students and communities.

COMMUNITY ALLIES
Parents, families, and supporters are coming together to advocate for the public schools every student deserves.

BECOME A MEMBER
When educators are heard, respected, and given the resources we need, we can give students our very best. With more members like you, National Education Association educators will have an even stronger voice to improve our daily lives and the lives of our students.

BECOME A COMMUNITY ALLY
Not an educator? There’s a role for everyone with NEA! Join our community and make a $25 contribution to help create safe schools, advocate for educator pay, and fight for equal opportunities for all students.

CONNECT WITH US
Join us, like us, follow us, share. We offer many ways to get the latest updates and connect with the Association and your colleagues through social media.

JOIN A CAMPAIGN
We need to dismantle unjust systems. We need to fully fund public schools. We need to hold our elected leaders accountable to our communities. And we need your help to make it happen.

DONATE
There are many opportunities for members, parents, students, and community allies to help us fight for strong public education for all.

CONTACT NEA:

MAILING ADDRESS:
National Education Association
1201 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-3290

NEA HEADQUARTERS PHONE:
202-833-4000
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET