The New England Association of Chemistry Teachers was founded in 1898 by a group of high school and college teachers meeting at Malden, MA High School, and incorporated in Massachusetts in 1910. Today its membership also includes middle school teachers, administrators, and industrial associates interested in chemical education. The aim of NEACT is to promote the teaching and learning of chemistry.

Four meetings of the Association are held during the school year, one in each of its four geographical divisions, usually on the first Saturdays of October, December, March, and May. At these meetings, select speakers provide information on recent developments in chemical education, research, or industry. The meetings provide professional updates centered on an annual theme, as well as the opportunity to network and form warm friendships with colleagues.  The annual summer conference in August is the highlight of the year's activities.  NEACT is a CEU/PDP provider. 

The Association's primary publications are the NEACT Newsletter, published five times a year,  and the NEACT Journal, published twice a year. Additionally, an e-mail list serve  allows members to communicate and help one another between meetings.  All the publications provide members with helpful information relevant to the teaching of chemistry. The Association also sponsors the John A. Timm award to recognize persons who have made noteworthy contributions toward education in chemistry.