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Education. Activism. Solidarity. NEA Aspiring Educators

Aspiring Educators are pre-service teachers united together through our union. We are the leading voice for the next generation of educators.

The Aspiring Educators Program supports, develops, and empowers diverse, pre-service teachers with the resources, networks, and opportunities to excel as educators and leaders, both as students and throughout their career.  

More than 40,000 Aspiring Educators are already part of the National Education Association – the nation’s largest union of 3 million teachers and school staff. Together, we’re building the future of public education in America – join us!  

Become a Member

Semester Check-In Survey

We know every Aspiring Educator's journey is unique. Fill out our quick semester check-in form to let us know where you are in your program and what tools we can share to help you succeed.

Aspiring Educator Quick Links

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NEA Today for Aspiring Educators

This online magazine features articles on the latest news, trends, and resources for Aspiring Educators. Check out a couple of our recent articles below!
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Professional Support

Our national network of educators, Aspiring Educators, and other experts provide advice, learning opportunities, and other resources to help you throughout your program and career.
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Frequently Asked Questions

NEA’s Aspiring Educators are the leading voice for the next generation of educators. Have questions about the program? Here are your answers.

We are the leaders of today and tomorrow

About our Program

The Aspiring Educator Program is more than a cool club on campus and a source of liability insurance. When you join, you become a member of a professional organization and a union.

Through your campus chapter, you reap the benefits of membership, including access to workshops that boost your skills and opportunities to meet other Aspiring Educator members.

Member Benefits

Join Today!

Build Your Aspiring Educator Campus Chapter 

Aspiring Educators Chapter Toolkit

If you’re an AE chapter leader or are interested in becoming one, check out NEA’s “Aspiring Educators Chapter Toolkit" for an in-depth look at how to create, build, and expand your campus chapter. 

Our Toolkit

Connect with Aspiring Educators Across the Country

Your campus chapter’s connection with your state association and the NEA means you can meet practicing classroom teachers and school staff who will help you feel more comfortable as a future educator.

"[The] support is one of the things I appreciate the most about the Aspiring Ed program, I have a large network of retired and current educators, members of the Mississippi Association of Educators and the NEA, who are more than happy and willing to support me. " Brianna Bailey, Aspiring Educator at Jackson State University in Mississippi

Jack Kinnaman Scholarship for Aspiring Educators

This scholarship, named after a former NEA-Retired Vice President, is funded by retired members to support current Aspiring Educators through their studies. Application for 2025 will open December 2024.

Supporting Aspiring Educators Throughout Your Program

From your first day of membership through retirement, NEA members are here to help you succeed. The Aspiring Educator Program connects you with a national network of other aspiring educators, as well as millions of current and retired educators.

Together we share advice, learning opportunities, and other resources to help you throughout your program and career.

NEA Support

Key Resources for Aspiring Educators

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Financial Well-Being

Aspiring Educators are eligible for economic support during and after the program.
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Professional Excellence

Our trainings give educators the skills and insight to create a safe and equitable learning environment for students.
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Education Materials

We have gathered education materials for you to use throughout your career, from lesson plans to activity guides.

Aspiring Educators Make a Difference

Aspiring Educators are the leading voice of the next generation of educators. We believe in public education and its potential to uplift individuals, families, and communities.

NEA Aspiring Educators advocate for and support:

Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

Aspiring educators are already confronting the challenges of today. We are demanding the resources and respect every educator needs and deserves. We are advocating for racial and social justice that creates education justice.
2018 March for Our Schools

Making Schools Safe & Just

All people, whatever their color, background, or ZIP code, deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. Aspiring Educators are taking action to create safe and just public schools for all students.
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Unions and Labor Rights

On college campuses across the country, Aspiring Educators are increasing union membership, fighting for labor justice, and ensuring every worker has fair pay and benefits.
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Our Nation’s Future

Aspiring educators build the future of public education! We are taking action today to protect democracy, our schools, and our planet.
Roman Trejo
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned working with...Aspiring Ed members is the power of self-advocacy and our collective voice, and that my values are non-negotiable.
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Join the Movement

Becoming a member of the National Education Association connects you with a movement of educators supporting each other. We are a community that will help you advocate for the funding, resources, and support you and your students deserve.
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Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.