The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest professional association and labor union in the United States representing public school teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff, retirees, and student members. Its mission is to advance public education, advocate for educators’ professional and workplace interests, promote equitable funding and policies for students, and protect collective bargaining and labor rights.
Advocates for increased public education funding, teacher pay and benefits, collective bargaining and workplace protections, safe and equitable school conditions, special education and early childhood programs, limits on privatization and vouchers, civil rights and anti-discrimination measures, healthcare and retirement security for educators, and federal and state education policy implementation (e.g., IDEA, Title I/ESSA).
Primarily funded by member dues and fees, supplemented by grants and donations, foundation support, and political contributions through affiliated PACs and advocacy funds.
State and local NEA affiliates (for example the California Teachers Association), the NEA Foundation, numerous local teachers' associations and education advocacy networks, and high-profile leaders and spokespersons active in national and state education policy debates.
National labor union and professional association (non-profit federation)
