Story highlights The National Education Association is the largest labor union in the U.S.

The American Federation of Teachers also endorsed Clinton over the summer

Washington (CNN) The nation's largest teachers union is backing Hillary Clinton for president.

The National Education Association, which has 3 million members, announced its support Saturday for the former secretary of state. Clinton accepted the endorsement in person after speaking earlier in the day to the Human Rights Campaign in Washington.

"As a lifelong fighter for children and families, I am deeply honored to have earned the endorsement of the National Education Association and their nearly 3 million members," Clinton said in a statement Saturday. "The teachers and educators of the NEA shape our future. NEA members work hard every day to provide the education and support our children need to grow and prosper."

Clinton highlighted her efforts helping create a new teacher recruitment program in the Senate in announcing her NEA endorsement.

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