1. We’ve been a collective voice for English teachers for over 60 years

Education policy can sometimes feel like stuff that happens to teachers rather than with them. NATE works to change that. As a leading voice in debates about curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy, NATE ensures that English teachers have a say in the decisions that shape their subject.

From campaigning for a reformed GCSE curriculum to highlighting the decline in students choosing English post-16, NATE speaks out on the issues that matter. By joining, you become part of this advocacy — helping to push for a curriculum that values creativity, diversity, and teacher agency.

2. You get high-quality professional development

With teacher workload at an all-time high, finding time for professional development can be a challenge. NATE makes it easier, offering expert-led CPD that is practical, research-informed, and tailored to the realities of the English classroom.

Our members have access to:

• Online and in-person CPD sessions
• Cutting-edge research on English teaching through our international journal
• Networking opportunities with other passionate professionals

‘I regularly implement ideas from ‘Teaching English’ in my classroom and use these ideas to encourage the teachers in my dept to extend their planning.’ 

3. We’re a trusted source of ideas and inspiration

English teaching thrives on creativity and fresh ideas. Teaching English, NATE’s flagship magazine for secondary English teachers, is packed with innovative teaching strategies, lesson ideas, and insights from experienced classroom practitioners. For primary school teachers, English 4-11, co-produced with our friends at the English Association and UKLA, is an authoritative and lively publication that benefits from a wide field of expertise. English in Education, our academic journal, is one of the leading academic journals in the field, with an international reputation.

Our website draws from across our published archive, newsletters and blog posts to bring you an unrivalled collection of long-form content about English teaching.

4. A community of like-minded professionals

Teaching can sometimes feel isolating, especially with the pressures of the job. NATE connects you with others who share your passion for English. Whether it’s through conferences, Working Groups or our social media networks, being part of NATE means joining a supportive network where you can exchange ideas, share best practices, and find encouragement.

‘I think NATE is an important professional body. I cannot imagine not being a member.’

5. Opportunities to contribute and grow

Membership isn’t just about what you receive — it’s also about what you can give. NATE relies on its members to help shape its work, and there are many ways to get involved:

• Present at our conference or at a CPD event
• Share your classroom practice through publications
• Join a Working Group
• Take part in research and campaigning
• Host a Teach Meet for teachers in your network

Getting involved not only benefits the profession — it also develops your own expertise and opens doors to new opportunities.

‘NATE has always been at the forefront of intellectual and professional leadership of subject English across all phases. As a young teacher, able to exchange ideas with colleagues in all contexts was invaluable to my development and effectiveness as a teacher and prepared me for 30 years as an adviser and inspector.’

6. There’s strength in numbers — NATE needs you

The challenges facing English teachers today are significant: changing curriculum, increasing workload, and declining subject uptake post-16. NATE is fighting for change, but it can only do so with the support of a strong membership base.

By joining, you ensure that NATE can continue to provide:

• A platform for English teachers’ voices
• High-quality CPD and resources
• Research and campaigning to shape the future of English teaching

In short, NATE is your professional association. It exists for English teachers, and it is its members. If you believe in the value of English as a humane, creative, and essential subject, joining NATE is one of the best ways to support its future, because together, we can ensure that English teaching remains rich, dynamic, and meaningful — for teachers and students alike.

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Join NATE today

As a member, you’ll receive access to…

• All news, blog posts, resources, feature articles and reviews at nate.org.uk
• Teaching English, our flagship magazine for secondary English teachers
• English in Education, an international research journal for educators (university members will need to access this journal directly from their institution)
• English 4-11, a magazine produced in partnership with UKLA and EA for primary school teachers
• NATE News, providing updates for both primary and secondary teachers
• Free online CPD sessions, both live and on-demand
• Discounted attendance at the NATE Conference, the NATE ITE Conference and other events
• Participation in NATE’s Working Groups to explore and promote the teaching of English

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