National Education Association (NEA) is the largest professional education organization in the world. The NEA has about 3 million members, most of whom are teachers. The organization’s main goals include improving public education and classroom conditions in the United States, and increasing the salaries and benefits of school employees. It works toward these goals through professional activities, judicial and legislative efforts, and collective bargaining. In 1979, the NEA was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Department of Education.
The NEA has affiliates in every state. It also represents U.S. citizens who teach overseas. Delegates from state and local associations meet annually in a Representative Assembly to establish the NEA’s policies. A board of directors and an executive committee act for the NEA between the assembly’s sessions.
The history of the NEA can be traced back to 1857, when 43 leaders from state teachers’ associations organized the National Teachers Association. In 1870, this organization merged with the Association of School Superintendents, the Central College Association, and the American Normal School Association to form the National Educational Association. For many years, school administrators provided much of the leadership. However, by the mid-1960’s, classroom teachers held almost all offices in the NEA.
The NEA sponsors American Education Week. The NEA’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
