An annual Representative Convention of approximately 900 elected delegates meets each year, and is the organization's highest governing body.

The governing board sets dues, establishes a budget and carries out the policy directives of the Representative Convention.

Education Minnesota — which was affiliated with both the AFT and NEA — remained unaffected by the failed national merger.

The issue remained unresolved for two years, until an agreement was reached that established a new dues level.

Several NEA and AFT state and local teacher unions had merged in the 1960s and 1970s, including affiliates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, and throughout Florida.

Through the NEA-AFT joint council, "NEAFT," the AFT and NEA agreed to additional guidelines that must be met for future state mergers to move forward smoothly.

[6] The "MEA weekend" is one of the busiest travel times in Minnesota, even busier than Thanksgiving.