National Education Association

THE NATIONAL EDUCATION Association (NEA) is a voluntary, professional organization of teachers and educators based in the United States, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. The NEA's origins date to the 1857 formation of the National Teacher's Association, which subsequently merged with the American Normal School Association and the National Association of School Superintendents. With some 2.7 million members, the NEA is believed to be the world's largest professional organization. Rapid growth in membership was sparked by the adoption in 1921 of a representative national assembly. The NEA is involved in a partnership with another large educational labor union, the American Federation of Teachers, although both remain separate organizations.

The 1857 mission was “to elevate the character and advance the interests of the profession of teaching and to promote the cause of popular education in the United States.” In the 150 years since then, its functions and activities have changed dramatically, but the current mission reflects the original vision: “To fulfill the promise of a democratic society, the National Education Association shall promote the cause of quality public education and advance the profession of education; expand the rights and further the interest of educational employees; and advocate human, civil, and economic rights for all.”

With such a large membership and wide range of interests, it is not surprising that the range of activities pursued by the NEA is complex. At the local level, affiliate organizations and individuals provide workshops and share information as well as raise funds for educational purposes. At the state level, the NEA is involved in lobbying to obtain best possible resources, improving professional standards, and filing legal suits to protect academic freedoms and rights of educators. At the national level, the NEA lobbies Congress, works with other educational organizations in formulating policy and sharing research, and provides training and education throughout the country. The NEA also works internationally by fostering networks among educators and institutions.

The NEA has been periodically embroiled in controversy throughout its long history. This is not surprising because opinions have always differed about the appropriate nature and style of education, the role of labor unions, and the optimal organization of schools and colleges. More recently the NEA has registered its support for Democratic presidential candidates and has been attacked by Republican politicians for having a partisan stance. This has colored coverage of the organization in the popular media, which sometimes follows a partisan agenda.