ATA Candidate Endorsement Policy

Thank you for your interest in an endorsement from the American Teachers Alliance (ATA).

ATA is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that independently evaluates and endorses candidates for education-related public offices. Candidates are evaluated based on their alignment with ATA's mission, vision, values, and legislative priorities, as well as their policy positions, public record, and responses to ATA's Candidate Questionnaire.

ATA's Vision: An unbiased and academically sound education for all children.

ATA's Mission: To be the voice of educators that empowers members to provide the highest quality, unbiased and achievement-driven education to all children.

Affiliate Membership

Candidates are encouraged, but not required, to become ATA Affiliate members. Candidate Affiliate membership is FREE with coupon code CANDIDATE and expires December 31 of the calendar year in which the election occurs.

Candidate Affiliate membership is provided solely to connect candidates with ATA's mission and priorities and does not include ATA member benefits, insurance, legal coverage, discounts, or other membership services. Membership does not guarantee or influence an endorsement and is not a political contribution.

Independent Endorsements

ATA independently determines which candidates and races it will consider for endorsement and may endorse candidates regardless of whether they are ATA members or have requested an endorsement.

ATA does not coordinate endorsement communications with candidates or campaigns. ATA independently creates its endorsement materials using publicly available information. Candidates and campaigns do not review or approve drafts and may not direct the content, design, timing, placement, audience, or distribution of ATA endorsement communications.

Once an endorsement is publicly released by ATA, candidates are welcome to share or repost the publicly available endorsement.

Candidate Questionnaire

Candidates interested in consideration are encouraged to complete the Candidate Questionnaire below. Submission of a questionnaire or Affiliate membership does not guarantee endorsement. ATA retains sole discretion over all endorsement decisions.