The National Education Association (NEA) is America's oldest education association, and it has become one of America's most powerful unions. It boasts 3.2 million members nationwide and is comprised of more than half of the public school teachers in the United States. Its annual reported receipts in 2009 totaled more than $377 million. The NEA's nationwide network and vast financial resources make it the single most powerful force in education. Although it purports to serve teachers and meet their professional needs, the NEA does not use its resources exclusively to help educators meet their number one goal of helping children learn. It lacks the focus to fulfill its mission of "a great public school for every student." Individual teachers pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars year after year in NEA dues. These dues are used in activities that many members find offensive and infuriating. This booklet outlines the NEA's history, how it spends its money, how it works to control teachers and politicians, and what you can do about it. Educators who opt against joining the NEA can obtain benefits such as liability insurance and legal assistance from other professional educator associations. Resources to help educators explore their options are listed at the end of this booklet. (Contains 54 endnotes.)