NATE is the professional association for all those involved in the teaching of English from pre-school to university. Membership is a badge of honour for all those, like you, who have earned the right to teach the most important and vibrant subject in the curriculum - whether you are still currently teaching or not. Membership simply confirms you are a true professional! It is also an impressive addition to any English teacher's CV.

There are many benefits of being a NATE member:

• our magazines and periodicals will keep you up to date and well informed: members receive regular mailings of NATE News, the NATE catalogue, the NATE Teaching English Magazine, our very well regarded professional journal English, Drama and Media as well as the respected research journal English in Education
• you will receive invitations to regional and national events, including our very popular Conference (offered to you at a discounted rate)
• access to the Members' Area of NATE's website
• unparalleled networking opportunities with some of the country's leading practitioners in the teaching of English
• the chance to have a say in shaping the future of English teaching through representation on NATE's various committees
• discounts on NATE's long-established, acclaimed English teaching publications

One important aspect of NATE's work that often goes unmentioned is our liaison with government bodies to ensure teachers of English have a voice on matters that will directly affect their classroom practice. An Association with more members means a louder voice for you.

NATE is a registered charity, run on a voluntary basis through elected executive and council committees. We aim to support effective teaching and learning through our publications which are not produced for profit.
Members are affiliated to a network of regional and local branches. The administrative base is in Sheffield where there are offices, a meeting room, publications warehouse and a despatch centre.

The association has a range of committees and standing working parties who address current concerns, disseminate knowledge and ideas, promote the work of the association and seek to represent the views of the association to national bodies, local education authorities, the DfES, OFSTED, QCA and Examination Boards.

NATE committees and working parties include:

• Age range committees: 0-7 (KS1), 5-11 (KS2), 9-14 (KS3), 12-16 (KS4), 16+
• Multicultural Committee
• English & The New Technologies Committee
• Editorial Board
• Drama Committee
• Initial Teacher Education Committee

The association conducts research into the teaching of English and is involved in curriculum development initiatives with the Arts Council and the National Council for Educational Technology.

NATE is an active member of the International Federation of the Teachers of English where it seeks to share the experience of English teachers in the UK and learn from teachers in diverse parts of the world.

Teachit works in association with NATE in many ways including a combined staffroom discussion area and running a 'resource centre' at the national conference.