Steering Educators Away from Partisan Politics

Princess Moss, a veteran music teacher, was elected president of the National Education Association (NEA) over the summer. The NEA is the largest labor union in the United States, boasting 3 million members, including teachers and public workers across all states.

Moss, who took office in September, emphasizes the importance of public education during challenging times. She notes that inflation is putting pressure on school budgets, a new education tax credit will soon redirect federal funds to private schools, and the Department of Education is facing significant changes under the Trump administration.

Public education is under attack, Moss says. Our students are under attack. The very foundation of this democracy is public education — that is under attack.

Moss introduces her vision for the NEA as a transition from “resistance to renaissance.” Her strategy prioritizes professional autonomy and community organizing but introduces a new direction for the union. She seeks to make the NEA an independent political authority, unaffiliated with any political party.

Background and Vision

Raised in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, by school bus driver parents, Moss found inspiration from her childhood teachers. Notably, her second-grade teacher Lucy T. Lewis encouraged her, even when she made mistakes, like misspelling “refrigerator” in front of the class. This experience shaped Moss’s career path in education.

Moss worked as an elementary school music teacher for over 20 years, advancing through leadership roles. She served as the Virginia Education Association president from 2004 to 2008 and later rose through the NEA ranks. Now, as NEA president for a three-year term, Moss is navigating a complex political climate.

She believes that focusing on issues can foster alliances across political lines. During her time in Virginia, working under a Democratic governor and a Republican-controlled general assembly, she built coalitions by underscoring that public education serves everyone.

Emphasizing Students’ Needs

With midterm elections on the horizon, Moss encourages NEA members to prioritize students’ needs in discussions. She advises educators to focus on student requirements rather than aligning with political parties.

Michael Petrilli, president of the Fordham Institute, regards this approach as a significant shift since the NEA has historically supported the Democratic Party. In 2020, the NEA endorsed Joe Biden, and in 2024, they formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Petrilli, although skeptical, is interested to see how the NEA’s new approach unfolds, especially with many state-level races favoring Democrats.

Despite ongoing criticism from some Republicans, Moss remains committed to building broad support for public schools, regardless of political affliation. Her focus is on collaboration with those who prioritize public education.