The association originated in 1857 as the National Teachers Association, which merged in 1870 with the National Association of School Superintendents and the American Normal School Association to form the National Education Association. Its membership exceeded 2.5 million in the early 21st century.
The NEA has a complex organizational structure. First, it is a general-purpose, individual-membership organization that advances the cause of public education and the welfare of its members. It has a large professional staff and establishes committees and commissions, which provide numerous services, such as research, publications, liaison with federal-government agencies, promotion of federal legislation, and defense of professional rights.
The NEA is incorporated as a professional association in a few states and as a Trade union in most. The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. It is not a member of the AFL–CIO, but is part of Education International, the global federation of teachers’ unions. NEA members set the union’s policies through the Representative Assembly (RA). The RA, which is a delegation comprising elected representatives from each local and state affiliate, coalitions of student members and retired members, and other segments of the united education profession—is the primary legislative and policy-making body of the NEA.
Most NEA funding comes from dues paid by its members ($295 million in dues from a $341 million total budget in 2005). Typically, local chapters negotiate a contract with automatic deduction of dues from members’ paychecks. Part of the dues remain with the local affiliate (the district association), a portion goes to the state association, and a portion is given to the national association.
According to en.wikipedia and britannica.com. Source of photos: internet
