National (U.S.-based):
* National Education Association (NEA): The largest labor union for teachers in the U.S., advocating for teacher rights, better working conditions, and improved education funding. They offer professional development opportunities and resources.
* American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Another major teachers' union, similar to the NEA in its advocacy work, but with a slightly different focus and membership base. Also offers professional development and resources.
* Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD): Focuses on curriculum development, school improvement, and leadership. Offers conferences, publications, and professional development.
* National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): Specifically for math teachers, providing resources, professional development, and advocacy related to math education.
* National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): Similar to NCTM but focused on English language arts.
* National Science Teachers Association (NSTA): For science teachers, offering resources, professional development, and advocacy related to science education.
International:
* International Literacy Association (ILA): Focused on literacy education worldwide.
* UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization): While not strictly a teacher's organization, UNESCO plays a significant role in shaping education policy and providing resources globally, impacting teachers' work indirectly.
Subject-Specific (examples - many more exist):
* American Historical Association (AHA): For history teachers.
* National Art Education Association (NAEA): For art teachers.
* American Music Therapy Association (AMTA): For music therapists, which often overlaps with music educators.
* Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE): For career and technical education teachers.
State and Local Organizations:
Many states and even individual school districts have their own teacher organizations and associations, often affiliated with the NEA or AFT. These offer more localized support and advocacy.
To find an organization relevant to you, consider:
* Your subject area: Do you teach math, science, English, history, etc.?
* Your grade level: Elementary, middle school, high school, or higher education?
* Your teaching philosophy: Are you interested in specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., project-based learning, inquiry-based learning)?
* Your geographic location: State and local organizations provide crucial local support.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights some of the major players. Searching online for "[your subject] teacher association" or "[your state] teacher organization" will yield more specific results.