Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.

Our vision is a great public school for every student.

These principles guide our work and define our mission:

1. Equal Opportunity. We believe public education is the gateway to opportunity. All students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their potential, independence, and character.

2. A Just Society. We believe public education is vital to building respect for the worth, dignity, and equality of every individual in our diverse society.

3. Democracy. We believe public education is the cornerstone of our republic. Public education provides individuals with the skills to be involved, informed, and engaged in our representative democracy.

4. Professionalism. We believe that the expertise and judgment of education professionals are critical to student success. We maintain the highest professional standards, and we expect the status, compensation, and respect due all professionals.

5. Partnership. We believe partnerships with parents, families, communities, and other stakeholders are essential to quality public education and student success.

6. Collective Action. We believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good. As education professionals, we improve both our professional status and the quality of public education when we unite and advocate collectively.

REA also believes every student in America, regardless of family income or place of residence, deserves a quality education.