KNEA is affiliated with the National Education Association and has local affiliates in nearly every school district. It is the largest professional association in Kansas. Since its founding in 1863, KNEA and its members have been champions for public education, children, and teachers' rights. This advocacy has taken the form of lobbying for improved school funding, safe schools, smaller class sizes, school improvement, and empowerment of teachers and parents. KNEA decisions are made and elections are held in a democratic manner, based on the principles of one person-one vote and secret ballot.
Teachers are in charge of their organization.
KNEA is organized into 17 UniServ units whose members elect the KNEA Board of Directors, the organization's governing body. KNEA members also elect delegates to the annual Representative Assembly, the highest policy making body of the organization. KNEA's president and vice president are released from their classrooms to work full-time for the teachers of Kansas. KNEA's staff structure is organized under the direction of its Executive Director. Nearly 70 staff members work in the Association's 10 offices.