The National Education Association began in 1857 when 43 educators came together after a national call to unite as one voice in the cause of public education. Nearly a hundred years before the creation of the NEA, the requirements for teaching were being able to read, write, and stay out of trouble. This led to reform that transformed the education system we know today, including public schools and professional teacher training. Even after these changes, many teachers earned less than $100 a year and worked in a one-room schoolhouse. Although educational associations existed at the state level, including in 15 of the 31 states in the Union, no national organization existed to serve as a voice for teachers in America. At that time, an invitation would be extended to educators across the country to unite and form, as we call it today, the National Education Association. After the Civil War, the NEA was dedicated to rebuilding their school system and educating the emancipated population. In 1867, the NEA won its first major victory when it created the Department of Education to provide and regulate current education. After growing too large, the NEA became a Representative Assembly, composed of delegates from state affiliates and local chapters. At that time, the NEA focused on strengthening its system, establishing retirement pensions, and improving teacher pay. After several years, the NEA celebrated its 100th anniversary and now has more than 700,000 members. Two years later, legislation was passed to usher in an era of teacher bargaining that transformed the Association. In 1926, the NEA and Ata began working together to advocate for black education. After the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the NEA allocated $1 million to "promote the paper." I am also a member of the NEA. Throughout my schooling, any issues that the NEA supported or addressed were issues that I had to take a stand on and work with myself. The NEA is the voice of education professionals, as I will be for the near future. They believe that every student deserves a great public school and an excellent education. The NEA stood up for women teachers like me and continues to stand up for women in education today. Works Cited Holcomb, S. (nd). Answer the call. National Education Association. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/12172.htmIssues. (nd). Issues and actions. National Education Association. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/IssuesAndAction.htmlNEA. (2011). NEA delegates vote to support President Barack Obama in his re-election campaign. National Education Association. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/46078.htm