IEA Insider News

NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow graduates

Kathy Johnson (Springfield School District 186, IEA Region 11) and Jenn Lattimore (Special Education DuPage, IEA Region 57) recently completed a year of intense leadership training and received their certificates of completion at this year’s NEA ESP Conference in Dallas.
Congratulations Kathy and Jenn!​
Kathy Johnson receiving certificate of completion.
Jenn Lattimore receiving certificate of completion.

Chair and vice chair elected to ESP Council

Alex Wallace, a bus driver for Oswego Community Unit School District 308, IEA Region 65, has been elected chair of the ESP Council.

Patricia “Pat” Hendrix was elected ESP Council vice chair. Hendrix is a special ed paraeducator and job coach for Grundy County special ed coop, IEA Region 15.

Human and Civil Rights conference – June 9-11

Plan to attend the inaugural NEA Ethnic Caucus Symposium in Las Vegas. Please note: This symposium will be a substitute for our yearly NEA Hispanic Issues conference and will be hosted by the various NEA ethnic caucuses.

The Ethnic Caucus Symposium is a joint effort to educate our organizational constituency about the systemic patterns of inequity that continue to disenfranchise communities of color in the United States.

Click here for additional information and online registration.

Summer Leadership Academy (SLA)

July 24-28, Illinois State University, Normal. Hundreds of Illinois Education Association leaders (elected, appointed, emerging and aspiring) will gather together this summer for training on leadership skills and abilities that make a difference for our students, our schools and our communities.

Funding request application available on the IEA website.

On the afternoon of July 26, two volunteer service projects will be held in conjunction with SLA. Please vote for the two that most interest you.

Grassroots Political Activists (GPA) program

Learn more about becoming a GPA by contacting your UniServ Director or visiting the IEA website for information and an application. Deadline to apply is July 10.

Training and facilitation opportunities available

ESP career trade buttons

Profile: Lyons Township paraeducator Dan McCarthy
Dan McCarthy is one of Lyons Township High School’s (LTHS) greatest assets, says Mary Ann Rivera, Lyons Township Paraeducators Association co-president.

“Dan is always willing to help a colleague or student, regardless of the task.”

McCarthy, who has been reassigned numerous times, meets each assignment with a smile and accepts every challenge with an open mind and heart.

According to Rivera, Dan’s commitment to LTHS extends well beyond the end of the school day; he donates his time to countless after-school activities such as board game club, bowling, archery and dances.
“Without Dan, many students would be excluded from extracurricular activities that give them a sense of belonging and pride.

Dan’s dedication, positivity and strong work ethic make him an integral and invaluable part of the community at LTHS,” Rivera said.

Members honored at Region 54 appreciation dinner

Region 54 held an appreciation dinner on April 24 in Rockford. Honored for their service to their local and region are left to right: Nancy Palmer, school nurse and Huntley ESPA secretary; Chris Karn, Huntley ESPA co-vice president and region representative; and Tammra Fabis, Huntley ESPA president.

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Work on the issues that excite you!

IEA One Conference Oct. 20-21 in Oak Brook

Other important dates

  • Jun. 9-11 – NEA Ethnic Caucus Symposium: Human and Civil Rights conference, Las Vegas
  • Jun. 28-29 – The 2017 NEA Conference on Racial and Social Justice (formally known as the Joint Conference of Concerns of Minorities and Women), Boston
  • Jun. 30-Jul. 5 – NEA Representative Assembly, Boston
  • Jul. 24-28 – Summer Leadership Academy (SLA), Normal

For information:

May is member appreciation month!
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