The National Rural Education Association (NREA) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization of its kind in the United States. Through the years, it has evolved as a strong and respected organization of rural school administrators, teachers, board members, regional service agency personnel, researchers, business and industry representatives, and others interested in maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country.
The NREA is a membership organization that operates as a tax-exempt, non-profit entity. It is directed by an elected executive committee consisting of national representatives of:
Why join NREA? Because of the numerous benefits and services available to NREA members! These include:
shall be open to any school district, educational service agency, state department of education, college/university, professional association, any similar agency or organization, and to business and industry. The institutional memberships entitle the organization up to six (6) individual memberships.
School District Membership shall be open to school districts and other organizations that may qualify for an institutional membership. The school district membership entitles the school district or other organizations up to seven (7) voting members, including one teacher member. All other employees and officials of the school district or other organizations shall be non-voting members for the purpose of receiving NREA benefits.
Library Membership in NREA shall be open to all public and private libraries. Such membership shall include copies of all newsletters and journals of the NREA but shall not provide voting status.
Library International Membership in NREA shall be open to all public and private libraries. Such membership shall include copies of all newsletters and journals of the NREA but shall not provide voting status.