Connecting US educators to the Airbnb Host economy and Airbnb Experiences

The travel revolution has not only profoundly shifted the way in which people are moving around the world. As consumers continue to go everywhere — and stay for longer periods of time —travel is also bringing meaningful economic benefits to more Hosts, most of whom are everyday people sharing the homes in which they live.

One in five Hosts who are employed are either educators or healthcare workers. For these members of our community, hosting not only provides a way for them to further leverage their passion for caring for others, but also earn additional income by doing so. Educators in the US alone earned more than $180 million from hosting in 2020, including more than $61 million during the summer months. 

Recognizing the important role that hosting already plays in the lives of so many educators, Airbnb and NEA Member Benefits are today announcing a new partnership that will support members of the National Education Association (NEA) in accessing the economic opportunity of hosting. 

Advocating for approximately 3 million NEA members, NEA Members Benefits adds value to NEA membership by providing dedicated member support and education as well as best-in-class services, from insurance and financial products to travel and discount programs. In this role, NEA Member Benefits will work closely with Airbnb to administer a multi-faceted program designed to assist members in becoming Airbnb Hosts.

NEA Members are curious about the world and passionate about their local communities. By combining that passion with the expertise they utilize while in the classroom, we believe they are well prepared to be the perfect Host for travelers looking to explore a new destination. By connecting our members with educator Hosts already engaged in the Airbnb community, we can give them a jump-start on the hosting process and provide the tools they need in order to successfully turn their home into a tool for connection and financial empowerment.

Leona Lindner, Chief Marketing Officer, NEA Member Benefits

This program will include a curriculum to instruct members in how to create a successful Homes listing. Airbnb Host Ambassadors will conduct training webinars for members to guide them on how to become a Host and provide one-on-one coaching — from preparing and publishing their listing to welcoming their first guests. 

Airbnb will also offer a stipend for members who become Hosts to invest in their hosting journey.

We know that Hosting can be a powerful financial tool for so many families, and in many ways, Hosting allows educators to further use their talents: Hosts both teach their guests about their communities when they visit, while nurturing and caring for those who stay in their homes. We are proud to be working with NEA Member Benefits for the first time to help overcome any barriers for their members and support them in embarking on their own hosting journey.

Catherine Powell, Global Head of Hosting, Airbnb

In addition to empowering NEA members to become Hosts for the first time, Airbnb and NEA Member Benefits will also offer a way for members to explore their favorite destinations through Airbnb Experiences, taking part in the global Airbnb community of guests. All NEA members will be eligible to receive a discount on Airbnb Experiences and Online Experiences, to enjoy a wide variety of one-of-a-kind, immersive activities hosted by local experts — whether while traveling themselves or from the comfort of their own home. 

For anyone interested in earning extra income by hosting their home, Airbnb has made it easier than ever to get started with a brand new suite of hosting tools. Any educators interested in becoming a Host can visit this page to learn how much their property could make on Airbnb, sign up for a hosting webinar, read about how we support our Hosts and much more.