The New Student's Reference Work/National Educational Association

Na′tional Educational Association. This important body was organized as the outcome of a convention of teachers in Philadelphia in August, 1857. It declared its object to be “to elevate the character and advance the interests of the profession of teaching and to promote the cause of popular education in the U. S.” The association holds yearly national conventions at different centers. In 1866 women were admitted to full membership. In 1870, when the title was changed from National Association to National Educational Association, began the policy of organizing different departments for the purpose of giving special attention to problems which chiefly interest given classes of teachers. In this way were organized the department of normal schools, the department of school-superintendents, both of which had previously existed as independent societies meeting by consent with the association, with the new department of elementary education and of higher education. The N. E. A. has held regular annual meetings except in 1861, 1862, 1867, 1878, 1893 and 1906. Its proceedings form a valuable storehouse of expert opinion and scientific research upon miscellaneous educational topics and problems. For many years, nevertheless, the membership was low; but in 1884 the enrollment reached 2,729. A permanent fund was inaugurated, now amounting to a very considerable sum. In 1886 the Association was incorporated for 20 years at Washington, D. C., and in February, 1906, it was re-incorporated by Act of Congress. The N. E. A. may be regarded as an organized attempt at social participation in the task of distributing to each the accumulated experience of all. In 1895 a permanent active membership was created, which now numbers many thousand, and in 1898 provision was made for a permanent and salaried secretary, to give his whole time to the Association. In its jubilee year (1907), which the N. E. A. celebrated at Los Angeles, Cal., the important step was taken of the separate publication of an index supplement to the Proceedings from 1857. They are rich in valuable material.