The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers' union in the United States, recently held its annual convention, and some observers are raising concerns about its priorities. While the NEA's president spoke about "action that liberates," some members reportedly expressed a desire to focus more on improving education itself.
Focus on Politics, Not Proficiency?
According to the federal government’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, a significant percentage of American students struggle with basic reading and math skills. This has led some to question whether the NEA's focus is adequately placed on addressing these critical educational needs.
Reports from the convention indicate that some members felt efforts were being diverted towards political activism, specifically opposing former President Trump and what they characterized as "fascism." One leaked resolution even called for the NEA to "defend against Trump’s embrace of fascism by using the term facism [sic] in NEA materials." The misspelling of “fascism” in the resolution has drawn criticism and ridicule.
Criticism of Political Agenda
Critics argue that the NEA's focus on partisan politics overshadows its core mission of advocating for students and educators. The convention also featured resolutions supporting immigration rights and criticizing the U.S. Department of Education. Some see these actions as evidence of the NEA's transformation into a politically driven organization aligned with the far-left wing of the Democratic Party.
Furthermore, some resolutions pledged thousands of dollars to support movements against what they describe as Trump's authoritarianism. The NEA's "Teacher of the Year" also declared her job as "deeply political".
Call for Congressional Action
Given the NEA's federal charter, granted by Congress in 1906, some are calling for congressional oversight. Suggestions include revoking the NEA's charter to signal disapproval of what they see as a taxpayer-backed assault on students, parents, and common sense. They argue that the NEA has traded its educational mission for blatant political activism and that Congress must intervene.