Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Education Association is a professional organization that represents more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators and retired educators, as well as students who are preparing to become teachers. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization, which is supported by a network of staff at the local, state and national levels. At the state level, the organization regularly lobbies legislators for the resources schools need; campaigns for higher professional standards for the teaching profession; and files legal actions to protect academic freedom and the rights of school employees. The organization s national level activities include supporting and coordinating projects and conducting activities consistent with the policies set by its elected governing bodies. At the international level, the National Education Association links the educators around the world in an ongoing dialogue to increase the effectiveness of schools.