Professional organizations can offer a broad range of support. Most aim to keep members updated on emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in the field. They may offer collective bargaining benefits, tips on resources specific to a subject area or simply professional camaraderie. Regardless, organizations can be helpful when starting a new career. They are divided into two categories:

• General
• Subject-Specific

Professional Organizations: General

American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

The American Federation of Teachers was founded in 1916 to represent the economic, social and professional interests of classroom teachers.  Five divisions within the organization represent the broad spectrum of AFT's membership: teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRP); local, state and federal employees; higher education faculty and staff; and nurses and other healthcare professionals. In addition, the union includes more than 170,000 retiree members.

Metro Nashville Education Association -

This organization is Davidson County’s local chapter of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Tennessee Education Association, both listed in this section.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are classroom teachers. Other members include school administrators, state legislators, higher education officials, teacher union leaders and business leaders. It offers national certification which may help relocating teachers transfer licensing from one state to another, depending on the states involved.

National Education Association (NEA)

“The National Education Association (NEA) is the nation's largest professional employee organization and is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 2.7 million members work at every level of education, from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state, as well as in more than 14,000 local communities across the United States.”

Rutherford Education Association (REA)

This organization is Rutherford County’s local chapter of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Tennessee Education Association, both listed in this section.

Tennessee Education Association (TEA)

This organization is the Tennessee chapter of the National Education Association (NEA), mentioned above.

Professional Organizations: Specific Teaching Fields

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

“The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership of more than 55,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education.”

Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

The Association (founded in 1981) is an international, educational and professional not-for profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the knowledge, theory, and quality of learning and teaching at all levels with information technology.

National Council for the Social Sciences (NCSS)

Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies.

Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) -
The Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education is an international association of individual teacher educators, and affiliated organizations of teacher educators in all disciplines, who are interested in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about the use of information technology in teacher education and faculty/staff development.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

The International Reading Association

The International Reading Association is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction, disseminating research and information about reading, and encouraging the lifetime reading habit.

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) –
Since 1876, Music Teachers National Association has existed to support music teaching and the art of music. Founded by Theodore Presser and sixty-two colleagues, MTNA is America's oldest professional music association.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The National Association for the Education of Young Children exists for the purpose of leading and consolidating the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children.

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)  -
The National Council of Teachers of English is devoted to improving the teaching of English and the language arts at all levels of education.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
For more than 75 years, NCTM members have taken the lead in changing mathematics education for the better.

National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education -

The National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education (NCPSE) is committed to enhancing the nation's capacity to recruit, prepare, and retain well qualified diverse educators and related service personnel for children with disabilities.

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