Teachers Union President Wants to Steer Educators Away From Partisan Politics

A new approach for the NEA

Moss took over as president of the National Education Association in September, beginning a three-year term. The union represents 3 million teachers and public workers across the country.

She describes her vision as “resistance to renaissance” and says the NEA should become an independent political force rather than align with a party. She also wants educators involved in decisions affecting schools.

A career shaped by teaching

Moss grew up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where both of her parents drove school buses. She credits teachers from her childhood with inspiring her, especially second-grade teacher Lucy T. Lewis, who encouraged her after she misspelled “refrigerator” in class in 1968.

Moss later taught elementary school music for more than 20 years in a neighboring county. She led the Virginia Education Association from 2004 to 2008 before advancing through the National Education Association.

She says her experience in Virginia showed that coalitions can cross party lines. During a period with a Democratic governor and a Republican-controlled legislature, she focused on public education as an issue shared by everyone.

Making the case across parties

With midterm elections approaching, Moss is urging members to discuss what students need rather than frame education as a Democratic or Republican issue. She says the union will work with anyone who puts public education first.

Michael Petrilli, president of the right-leaning Fordham Institute, calls the approach a significant change. He points to the NEA’s support for Joe Biden in 2020 and its formal endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024.

Petrilli has criticized teachers unions for resisting changes to teaching and maintaining salary rules he says can complicate recruitment. Still, he says he is interested in how the union uses its influence, particularly if Democratic candidates do well in state races.