THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF THE ORGANIZATION IS TO WORK FOR THE WELFARE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION, AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL; TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF SUCH ETHICAL PRACTICES AND STANDARDS OF PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION; TO UNIFY AND STRENGTHEN THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND TO SECURE AND MAINTAIN THE SALARIES, RETIREMENT, TENURE, PROFESSIONAL RIGHTS, AND OTHER WORKING CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT TEACHING AS A PROFESSION; TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO SPEAK WITH A COMMON VOICE ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND TO PRESENT THEIR INDIVIDUAL AND COMMON INTERESTS BEFORE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND OTHER LEGAL AUTHORITIES; TO HOLD FUNDS AND EMPLOY A STAFF, WHEN NEEDED, FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF THESE PURPOSES.