Description: The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest U.S. labor union and professional association for public education employees, representing teachers, support staff, and higher-education faculty; it advocates for quality public schools, educator professional development, collective bargaining, and equity for students. Type: Union (national labor union / professional association, non-profit) Policies: Advocates for increased public education funding and investment; teacher and staff pay, benefits, and pensions; collective bargaining and labor rights; early childhood, special education, and K–12 policy; school safety and mental health supports; opposition to broad privatization and voucher programs; civil rights and racial and socioeconomic equity; and federal education legislation and regulatory priorities. Funding: Primarily funded by member dues and contributions, supplemented by fundraising, grants, and investment income; operates an affiliated political action committee for campaign contributions. Affiliates: State and local NEA affiliates (for example California Teachers Association), the NEA Foundation, the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, and allied education advocacy coalitions.
