Together, we are heard. Union & Educator Voice

The National Education Association is the largest labor union in the country. 

When we unite and speak truth to power, we can have an enormous impact. That’s why our nearly three million members join together to create a future where schools are funded, educators are supported, and students are thriving. 

We Are the Union 

We are a community of teachers, nurses, paraeducators, counselors, custodians, bus drivers, higher education faculty, parents, and community members—all working together for students and public schools.  

Together NEA members accomplish things one educator, or even one district, can’t. We regularly meet with administrators, school boards, and lawmakers from both parties and in every state to impact meaningful change for our public schools.  

THE UNION ADVANTAGE

When educators are respected, appreciated, heard, and have the resources we need, we can give students our very best. NEA members come together to win for our students, our schools, and ourselves. 

By joining together, we have more power to advocate for: 

• Better pay and benefits 
• Better working conditions 
• Better learning conditions for our students 

Not only do educators with collective bargaining earn more on average, but we’re also able to advocate better for our students. If you want to change something at your school, in your district, in your state or even nationally, your union is your way to make that change a reality.  

Collective Bargaining and Advocacy

Get to Know your Union Contract

We've Got Your Back

Should anything happen to you on the job that can threaten your reputation, certification, or even livelihood, your union is your first line of defense.   

Job and Career Security

Local, State, and National Action

Becoming an active member of your union is the best way to connect with like-minded colleagues across the district, state, and nation who are working to better students’ lives.  

Whether you help shape the direction, budget, and strategy of the union at the Representative Assembly or connect with state and federal legislative campaigns, your involvement ensures your voice is included in the conversation around public education.

Connect With State Affiliates

Explore Priority Federal Legislation 

Learn About the Representative Assembly

Educator Advocacy in Every State

Across the country, educators are coming together to advocate for strong public schools. Even in states that limit collective bargaining, educators still have a say and a big impact. Unions in these states have been effective at raising educator pay and benefits and improving learning conditions for students. 

Educators working together can leverage their power through organizing, advocacy and labor-management collaboration. By using our collective voices at the state and local level we can affect positive change for ourselves and our students.  

How We Win

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

NEA’s Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy Department (CBMA) helps our affiliates promote and defend collect bargaining.  We develop resources for our members, parents, school board members, the general public, and legislators. 

We also offer affiliates student–centered advocacy grants. Affiliates have used these grants to make collective bargaining a more transparent process, support students away from the bargaining table, join the Red for Ed movement, bargain for the Common Good, and advocate for the schools our students deserve.  In states without collective bargaining we support affiliates with advocacy strategies and tactics.