About Us

NAEA is a volunteer organization dedicated to information sharing and professional development, best practice, public policy and advocacy for alternative learning and teaching. Created in 2002 through the efforts of several officers from the original Safe Schools Coalition (SSC), the Association has sponsored an annual conference entitled Alternatives to Expulsion, Suspension, & Dropping Out of School for the past several years. When the Safe Schools Coalition decided to disband, its officers were determined to continue the much needed work that had been started and created a national professional association dedicated to alternative educators and alternative education options.

The group of committed educators and administrators proposed using the Alternatives to Expulsion, Suspension & Dropping Out of School conference as their annual, national professional meeting. Using this small group of volunteers, the Safe Schools Coalition arranged for sponsorship, initial funding, and a mechanism for the newly formed NAEA to eventually take over the directorship of the new professional association.

At the annual meeting of the NAEA in February 2006, the final stage of transition occurred and the new organization is now directed by a group of volunteer, alternative educators. Nominations for officers are accepted prior to the conference and elections are held during the annual membership meeting each year at the conference.  For a list of your Board of Directors visit the toolbar on your left.

NAEA welcomes you to join in, share your experience and passion for alternative education.  To join the organization click here.