Educators set to convene at NEA Representative Assembly in Portland

This summer, thousands of educators from across the nation will gather in Portland, Oregon, for the National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly (RA), scheduled for July 2-6, 2025. The RA, the largest democratic deliberative body in the world, is a cornerstone of NEA's mission to advance public education and advocate for educators, students, and communities.

What is the RA?

The NEA RA is the primary legislative and policymaking body of the Association. With more than 8,000 delegates representing state and local affiliates, retired educators, aspiring educators, and education support professionals, the RA adopts the NEA's strategic plan, budget, resolutions, and legislative program. It also handles amendments to NEA's Constitution and Bylaws and elects NEA's executive officers and board members​​.

Delegates debate pressing issues in public education, vote on policies and determine the direction of NEA's advocacy efforts for the coming year. The assembly operates under Robert's Rules of Order, ensuring an organized and inclusive decision-making process​.

Missouri's Role in the RA

Missouri NEA will send a delegation of state-elected representatives to participate in the RA. These delegates bring the perspectives of Missouri educators to the national stage, helping to shape policies that affect classrooms across the state and nation. MNEA has a longstanding commitment to ensuring its delegation reflects the diversity of Missouri's educators and communities, with proportional representation from racial and ethnic minority groups​.
In addition to contributing to national policy discussions, Missouri delegates will connect with fellow educators from around the country, share strategies for tackling shared challenges, and gather ideas to bring back to their local schools.

What to Expect in Portland

Portland's vibrant atmosphere and commitment to education make it a fitting host city for the RA. Delegates will participate in four days of intensive deliberation, during which they will:

• Adopt the NEA's legislative program and budget.
• Debate and vote on new business items proposed by their peers.
• Participate in elections for NEA's leadership positions.
• Engage in professional development opportunities through pre-RA meetings, conferences and exhibits​​.
  

The Annual Meeting, which includes the RA, is a time for delegates to collaborate, reflect on the year's achievements, and set a course for the future. This year's event will spotlight issues such as equity in education, professional pay for educators, and strategies to address nationwide teacher shortages.

Get Involved

Information for the delegate selection process can be found at MNEA.org. If you're not attending the RA as a delegate, you can still play a role in supporting the MNEA delegation. Follow updates from the RA through NEA's website and social media channels. Educators across Missouri are encouraged to share their insights and concerns with their local delegates to ensure those voices are represented at the RA.

The NEA Representative Assembly is more than a gathering; it's a demonstration of the power of collective action in education. As Missouri's delegates prepare for their role in this significant event, MNEA members can take pride in the vital contributions they make to shaping the future of public education. Together, we continue to advocate for great public schools for every student.

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