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NEA in Action

NEA In Action, October 2023

We are preparing educators to run for public office, funding collective bargaining wins, and helping address LGBTQ+ bias in schools.
Published: September 1, 2023
Group of NEA Members that are running for office.

NEA Puts Educators on the Ballot

NEA has prepared more than 300 members to run for public office through its See Educators Run training program. As lawmakers, these NEA members are creating education policy that helps all students thrive!

NEA members have run for:

  • U.S. Congress
  • State legislatures
  • State and local boards of education
  • County and city councils
  • Mayor

Should you run for office? 

Yes, you should! Find out more at nea.org/see-educators-run.


NEA Funds Big Collective Bargaining Wins! 

NEA has awarded $2.6 million in Student-Centered Bargaining Advocacy grants to 91 state and local affiliates since the program began, in 2015. The grants support members’ collective bargaining efforts across the country.

Local union Pueblo, CO celebrates a 12% raise.

The results?

In Pueblo, Colo., the local union won a 12 percent raise for teachers, school nurses, and counselors—and a starting teacher salary of $45,000! 

In South Carolina, where collective bargaining is prohibited for educators, NEA grant funds and strong advocacy by the state affiliate helped score these major victories, among other wins: 

Members of The SCEA
  • Paid parental leave for all school employees.
  • A harmful bill blocked that would have limited and whitewashed history.
  • An end to lunch-shaming and the practice of sending students and families to collections over school lunch debt.

Apply at nea.org/Bargaining-Grants.


NEA Course Can Help You Address LGBTQ+ Bias 

Worried about bias in your school? NEA has a series of courses that can help. These virtual, in-person, or blended classes address bias around sexual orientation and gender identity, with a focus on racial justice. Called LGBTQ+ Blended Learning, the series trains thousands of educators year-round and provides them with the latest data, legal updates, and activities to empower members to support all students. 

The most popular courses to date?

Request a training at nea.org/LGBTQ-trainings


NEA Champions Disability Justice 

14-year-old disability rights activist Helena Donato-Sapp
NEA invited 14-year-old disability rights activist Helena Donato-Sapp to address 6,000 educators on why we must end disability discrimination. Credit: Sino Donato

Want to confront ableism and discrimination and boost access and inclusion for students with disabilities? NEA has solution-oriented resources that advance disability rights and can help you become a better advocate for students with disabilities.  

These resources will challenge the view that students with disabilities can’t achieve or learn; address the many intersecting forms of discrimination that impact these individuals; and more! 

Start your journey toward justice at nea.org/disabilities

October 2023 cover of NEA Today magazine print issue

More Education News is Ready for You

In our October issue of NEA Today, we have educators' and students' backs, from shining a light on the mental health crisis in our rural communities, to keeping educators safe from physical harm in the classroom, to advocating for students with disabilities, and more. Learn how educators are making math more relevant, why we can't judge schools based on rankings, and how education support professionals are getting free of student loan debt.

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National Education Association

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.