A new investigation into the financial records of the nation’s two largest educators' organizations reveals that teachers union political spending exceeded $900 million over the last decade. The report, conducted by the North American Values Institute (NAVI), details how hundreds of millions of dollars in member dues were redirected toward lobbying, partisan committees, and various advocacy groups between the 2016 and 2025 fiscal years.
According to the education watchdog, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have expanded their influence far beyond traditional classroom issues. The findings suggest a massive shift toward ideological activism, with funds supporting initiatives ranging from state-level tax propositions to international labor federations.
NEA Allocates Over Half a Billion to Political Activity
The National Education Association, which currently stands as the largest labor union in the United States with more than 3 million members, reportedly spent at least $547 million on political and advocacy efforts during the decade-long period analyzed. The NAVI report breaks this figure down into $458.9 million designated officially as political activity and lobbying, supplemented by $88.2 million in direct contributions to progressive organizations.
To sustain this level of financial involvement, the union implemented internal changes to its funding structure. Reports indicate that NEA delegates sanctioned a $10 increase in member dues specifically to support a ballot-measure and media fund. This move was estimated to bring in more than $20 million on an annual basis.
Beyond direct spending, the NEA utilized its own super PAC, known as the NEA Advocacy Fund, which received $116.9 million over the 10-year span. The watchdog also highlighted the use of intermediary groups to distribute funds. Approximately $80.2 million was routed through entities such as the State Engagement Fund, the Strategic Victory Fund, and State Victory Fund LLC.
The AFT and State-Level Political Initiatives
The American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest union in the sector, also demonstrated significant financial reach. Between 2016 and 2025, the AFT reported roughly $383.2 million in expenditures related to lobbying and political activism.
Of the $331.95 million in itemized payments identified by the watchdog, the distribution was as follows:
* $123.35 million to external political committees and organizations.
* $179.99 million to internal accounts and various union affiliates.
* $28.6 million to consultants and professional vendors.
The AFT lobbying expenditures were not limited to national politics. The union reportedly spent millions on specific state-level measures, including $1 million directed toward a redistricting effort in Ohio, $1 million for Oregon’s Measure 97, and $1 million for California’s Proposition 15. Additionally, the union contributed $1.125 million across multiple election cycles for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Movement Building and Ideological Advocacy
The education watchdog investigation also looked into the types of training and curricula being promoted by union leadership. In one instance, a curriculum-building webinar held in May 2026 featured NEA national education campaign manager Kyle Serrette, who characterized his professional efforts as "movement building."
During this event, participants were introduced to classroom activities that included the study of unionization, strikes, and a comparative analysis between the United States Constitution and the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Program. These activities highlight a growing trend of unions engaging in social and political advocacy that extends beyond the traditional scope of teacher salaries and workplace conditions.
Furthermore, the report raised questions regarding the transparency of these financial flows. A spokesperson for NAVI noted that "routing money through these political intermediaries makes it significantly harder for dues-paying union members to track where their money goes."
International Contributions and Global Affiliations
The scope of the unions' spending also reached international borders. Both the NEA and AFT provided funding to Education International, a global federation of teachers' unions. The NEA reportedly contributed $30.1 million to the federation, while the AFT provided at least $2.08 million.
According to the NAVI analysis, Education International includes the General Union of Palestinian Teachers among its members. The watchdog describes this entity as being affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). These findings have sparked additional scrutiny regarding how domestic union dues are utilized on the global stage.
In summary, the NAVI report suggests that the modern teachers union has transformed into a powerful political engine. By moving hundreds of millions of dollars into redistricting, tax policy, and foreign relations, the NEA and AFT have established themselves as major players in the American political landscape, often using funds derived from the dues of millions of educators across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the NEA and AFT spend on politics over the last decade?
Combined, the two unions spent over $930 million on political activities, lobbying, and advocacy between fiscal years 2016 and 2025. The NEA accounted for at least $547 million, while the AFT spent approximately $383.2 million.
What specific political measures did the American Federation of Teachers support?
The AFT directed significant funds toward state-level issues, including $1 million each for Ohio redistricting, Oregon’s Measure 97, and California’s Proposition 15, along with over $1.1 million for Wisconsin Supreme Court races.
What is the NEA Advocacy Fund?
The NEA Advocacy Fund is the National Education Association's own super PAC. According to the investigation by NAVI, this fund received $116.9 million over the course of the decade to support the union's political objectives.