Why I’m Not Walking Away from the Fight Within the NEA

By Rick Morgan, Mat-Su CEA President
There’s growing pressure among conservative educators to leave the National Education Association (NEA). I understand the frustration. The national union has taken a political turn that many of us don’t support—promoting policies that undermine parental rights, prioritize ideology over student success, and entangle education in divisive national debates.
But here’s the thing:
I’m not walking away.

I’ve Been in the Room—and I’m Staying
I’ve served in union leadership at the local, state, and national levels. As President of the Mat-Su Classified Employees’ Association, I’ve watched the shift. I’ve heard the quiet frustrations turn into a rising voice of resistance. Conservative educators who once stayed silent are now speaking up—and finding they’re not alone.
It’s tempting to walk away. But real change doesn’t happen when we leave the table. It happens when we stay in the room and refuse to be ignored.

What Fighting From Within Looks Like
Let me be clear—this isn’t easy.
I’ve been shouted down. I’ve faced eye-rolls, sarcasm, and open hostility in committee meetings. But I’ve also stood my ground. I bring facts, stay calm, and push back with credibility. And it works—because people listen when you’ve earned your seat.
But I don’t just speak. I act.
I write grants. I build partnerships. I’ve helped bring tens of thousands of dollars in dues-funded support back into our local—where it belongs. That’s real support for my members.
That’s what union work should be.
Not advancing political agendas that divide us—but delivering for the people we represent.

Walking Away Isn’t the Answer
Leaving the union might feel like protest—but it’s not a solution. It hands total control to those who don’t share our values. It silences voices that need to be heard. And it erases the hard-won gains we’ve made.
This isn’t their union.
It’s ours.
If we want the NEA to reflect the priorities of real educators, real families, and real communities, we can’t leave—we have to lead.

Conservative Voices Are Rising
Change is slow. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s happening.
The NEA Republican Caucus is growing. Conservative educators are organizing, running for leadership, and showing up with purpose. We’re not backing down—we’re pushing forward.
Because this is our union, too.

✊ Call to Action
If you’re tired of being sidelined, don’t walk away. Stand up. Speak out. Stay in the fight.
- Join the NEA Republican Caucus
- Attend delegate assemblies
- Run for office in your local or state association
- Build coalitions and get things done in your community
We are here. We are organized. And we are not going anywhere.
Let’s take back our union—together.