National Education Association

The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest labor union in the United States. Membership in the NEA is reserved for school teachers, school personnel, university staff, faculty and retired educational professionals.

Fast Facts:

1. Founded in 1857
2. Headquarters: Washington, DC
3. 3.2 Million members
4. President: Reg Weaver
5. Employees: 735
6. 2007 budget: $357.9 million

Key Dates

• 1857: Established by president of the New York State Teachers Association, Thomas W. Valentine
• 1910: Ella Flagg Young elected as the first female President
• 1912: Endorsed Women's suffrage
• 1964: Lobbied as an advocate for the Civil Rights Act
• 1966: National Teachers Association merges with the American Teachers Association
• 1968: Endorsed the Fair Housing Act
• 1972: Supported Title IX Education Amendments, allowing females the same federal funding and educational opportunities as males
• 2003: Lobbied for changes in the No Child Left Behind Law

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