Key Takeaways
- • Four candidates are competing to lead the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest teachers' union with 2.8 million members, in an election scheduled for July 3–7, 2026, in Denver during the union's annual representative assembly.
- • Princess Moss, the incumbent vice president, is among the frontrunners; she has served as NEA vice president since 2020 and previously held the secretary-treasurer position for six years, with prior experience as president of the Virginia Education Association (62,000 members).
- • Competing candidates include Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association; Sean Spiller, former president of the New Jersey Education Association and gubernatorial candidate; and Tania Kappner, an Oakland Unified School District teacher.
- • The election follows the term-limited departure of current President Becky Pringle, a science teacher from Philadelphia who has led the 2.8-million-member organization since 2020; NEA leadership is restricted to two three-year terms.
- • Early voting results indicate Princess Moss secured the election with support from 50% of assembly delegates, with Spiller receiving 17.4% of votes.
Summary
The National Education Association is transitioning leadership as four candidates compete to succeed term-limited President Becky Pringle during the union's annual representative assembly in Denver, July 3–7, 2026. Pringle, a Philadelphia-based science teacher, has served since 2020 and has completed the maximum two three-year terms permitted under NEA bylaws. The election will determine leadership of the 2.8-million-member labor organization, the largest teachers' union in the United States.
Princess Moss, the current NEA vice president, represents the establishment candidate. Elected alongside Pringle in 2020, Moss brings substantial union experience, having previously served as NEA secretary-treasurer for six years and as president of the Virginia Education Association (representing 62,000 members) from 2005 to 2008. Her early performance in voting demonstrates significant delegate support. The other principal contenders are Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association; Sean Spiller, former president of the New Jersey Education Association and a prior statewide gubernatorial candidate; and Tania Kappner, a classroom teacher employed by Oakland Unified School District.
The candidates did not participate in formal interviews with media outlets covering the race, and the NEA declined to provide public comment regarding the election process. Vote tabulations from assembly delegates show Moss commanding a substantial plurality, with Spiller trailing at 17.4% of votes cast. The outcome will establish the union's strategic direction on education policy, labor advocacy, and member representation during a period of significant policy debate regarding public education funding and educational standards.
Princess Moss, the current NEA vice president, represents the establishment candidate. Elected alongside Pringle in 2020, Moss brings substantial union experience, having previously served as NEA secretary-treasurer for six years and as president of the Virginia Education Association (representing 62,000 members) from 2005 to 2008. Her early performance in voting demonstrates significant delegate support. The other principal contenders are Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association; Sean Spiller, former president of the New Jersey Education Association and a prior statewide gubernatorial candidate; and Tania Kappner, a classroom teacher employed by Oakland Unified School District.
The candidates did not participate in formal interviews with media outlets covering the race, and the NEA declined to provide public comment regarding the election process. Vote tabulations from assembly delegates show Moss commanding a substantial plurality, with Spiller trailing at 17.4% of votes cast. The outcome will establish the union's strategic direction on education policy, labor advocacy, and member representation during a period of significant policy debate regarding public education funding and educational standards.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.