National Education Association

The National Education Association (NEA) represents many teachers and school personnel with a membership of nearly three million. It has its headquarters in Washington D.C. with an annual operating budget of about $150 million. Originally known as the National Teachers Association, the organization was formed in 1850. The National Education Association got its current name seven years later, in 1857. But it was not until the 1960s that it officially became a union.

The National Education Association is currently involved with helping find a solution the country’s school dropout crisis. It urges parents and teachers to take an active interest in children and provide them with all required attention. It urges interaction between parents and teachers in evaluating and discussing the child’s progress in school and extra-curricular activities.  The National Education Association asks these adults to impress upon the youngsters that dropping out of school is not an option.

The National Education Association also offers various kind of assistance to educators. It provides them with information on class activities that make learning fun. The NEA also has information for teachers about the challenges they may face in the school system. In recent times, the NEA has begun playing an active role in politics by supporting certain political candidates and views. This has drawn criticism from many sides. The NEA also has provisions for grants and recognition of various kinds for outstanding students, teachers and schools.

Members of the association are eligible for special offers and discounts such as savings on insurance, loans, mortgages, healthcare, and even car rentals. The association also helps students pursue higher education and offers a helping hand to those who are seeking jobs. The NEA also lays special emphasis on improving achievement among minority students. The many publications it brings out cater to a wide range of audience.