Princess Moss aims to break NEA from Democratic Party ties

Princess Moss has taken charge of the National Education Association with a plan to detach the union from its traditional political allies. She seeks to position the organization as an independent force rather than a branch of the Democratic Party. This shift comes as the union faces a turbulent policy environment.

The NEA represents approximately 3 million teachers and public employees across all states. Its new leadership is navigating a period of fiscal and structural pressure. Federal inflation continues to strain school budgets. A new education tax credit directing federal funds to private schools takes effect in January. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is working to dismantle the Department of Education.

Moss describes the current situation as an attack on the foundation of democracy. She argues that public education and students are under threat. Her strategy, which she calls resistance to renaissance, emphasizes professional autonomy and community organizing. However, the core of her agenda involves establishing the union as its own political authority. She wants educators to avoid aligning with a specific party.

Moss brings experience from her time as an elementary school music teacher in rural Virginia. She worked in a neighboring county for more than 20 years. She served as president of the Virginia Education Association from 2004 to 2008. During that period, she worked in a state with a Democratic governor and a Republican-controlled general assembly. She focused on building cross-aisle coalitions by emphasizing that public education serves all students, not just partisans.

The union has a history of formal endorsements. In 2020, the NEA recommended Joe Biden for the presidency. In 2024, the group issued a formal endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris. Moss acknowledges that her approach marks a stark departure from this recent track record. She cites her success in Virginia as proof that issue-based organizing can yield results regardless of party lines.

Michael Petrilli, president of the Fordham Institute, views the move as a major shift. He notes that the NEA has historically been a stalwart supporter of the Democratic Party. Petrilli has long argued that union positions can block teaching changes and create strict salary rules that complicate hiring. He observes that many state-level races are leaning Democratic. This could place the union in a strong position to drive education policy.

With midterm elections approaching, Moss urges members to focus on the needs of their students rather than party labels. She states that the union will work with anyone who prioritizes public education, regardless of political inclination. The NEA will test this nonpartisan strategy as it engages with state legislatures and federal policymakers over the next three years.