Illinois Education Association
@ieanea.bsky.social
At 135,000 members strong, IEA is the largest union in Illinois. We believe in putting students and their public education first.
📣 What do we want? Fair contract! When do we want it? NOW!
Rockford EA members rallied to demand a contract that truly values educators and students. Nearly 70% of REA members have considered leaving the district for another job because of low wages, a lack of respect and an increasing workload.
Rockford EA members rallied to demand a contract that truly values educators and students. Nearly 70% of REA members have considered leaving the district for another job because of low wages, a lack of respect and an increasing workload.
January 22, 2026 at 3:39 AM
📣 What do we want? Fair contract! When do we want it? NOW!
Rockford EA members rallied to demand a contract that truly values educators and students. Nearly 70% of REA members have considered leaving the district for another job because of low wages, a lack of respect and an increasing workload.
Rockford EA members rallied to demand a contract that truly values educators and students. Nearly 70% of REA members have considered leaving the district for another job because of low wages, a lack of respect and an increasing workload.
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
Students cannot learn when they are afraid for their safety or the safety of their families, friends, and educators.
Tell Congress to keep ICE out of schools, churches, and hospitals. 👉
https://bit.ly/49pXHQU
Tell Congress to keep ICE out of schools, churches, and hospitals. 👉
https://bit.ly/49pXHQU
January 15, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Students cannot learn when they are afraid for their safety or the safety of their families, friends, and educators.
Tell Congress to keep ICE out of schools, churches, and hospitals. 👉
https://bit.ly/49pXHQU
Tell Congress to keep ICE out of schools, churches, and hospitals. 👉
https://bit.ly/49pXHQU
Every time you speak at a board meeting on behalf of our colleagues or students, every time you join a walk-in and every time you take action to support strong working conditions, we are building power. Together we are IEA and United We Win!
December 27, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Every time you speak at a board meeting on behalf of our colleagues or students, every time you join a walk-in and every time you take action to support strong working conditions, we are building power. Together we are IEA and United We Win!
Our legislation to Undo Tier 2 took a big step forward during Veto Session. IEA members took action alongside other public workers to fill out 9,000+ witness slips & SB1937 passed out of committee! In order to officially #UndoTier2 we need your continued support. The fight continues!
December 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Our legislation to Undo Tier 2 took a big step forward during Veto Session. IEA members took action alongside other public workers to fill out 9,000+ witness slips & SB1937 passed out of committee! In order to officially #UndoTier2 we need your continued support. The fight continues!
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
"The union has helped me to find my voice, and so I don't have a fear of speaking up, especially through an equity lens."
In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations. #UnionStrong
In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations. #UnionStrong
Why We Are Thankful for Our Union | NEA
In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations.
www.nea.org
November 27, 2025 at 8:38 PM
"The union has helped me to find my voice, and so I don't have a fear of speaking up, especially through an equity lens."
In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations. #UnionStrong
In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations. #UnionStrong
BREAKING: The IEA Board of Directors has elected Gladys Márquez as Secretary Treasurer of the IEA! 🎉
Gladys is a veteran educator and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant rights and public education. Press release: ieanea.org/2025/12/08/i...
Gladys is a veteran educator and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant rights and public education. Press release: ieanea.org/2025/12/08/i...
December 8, 2025 at 5:35 PM
BREAKING: The IEA Board of Directors has elected Gladys Márquez as Secretary Treasurer of the IEA! 🎉
Gladys is a veteran educator and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant rights and public education. Press release: ieanea.org/2025/12/08/i...
Gladys is a veteran educator and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant rights and public education. Press release: ieanea.org/2025/12/08/i...
It’s not too late to register for the Ethnic Minority Emerging Leadership Training! Tag somebody who needs to join you in Springfield on Nov. 7-9. Register before Oct. 31: bit.ly/3XNYvIh
October 26, 2025 at 11:27 PM
It’s not too late to register for the Ethnic Minority Emerging Leadership Training! Tag somebody who needs to join you in Springfield on Nov. 7-9. Register before Oct. 31: bit.ly/3XNYvIh
For Know Your Rights information in multiple languages, visit: www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/know-your-rights
October 14, 2025 at 9:49 PM
For Know Your Rights information in multiple languages, visit: www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/know-your-rights
Statement from IEA President Al Llorens on educators' use of social media:
September 22, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Statement from IEA President Al Llorens on educators' use of social media:
#RedForEd Fair contract for RFEA!
"'Fair wage is not just a matter of money, it's a matter of respect,’ one woman said. 'Let's work together to ensure that our teachers stay right here.’”
"'Fair wage is not just a matter of money, it's a matter of respect,’ one woman said. 'Let's work together to ensure that our teachers stay right here.’”
River Forest, Illinois parents urge board of education to reach deal with teachers
The teachers' contract was not an official part of the agenda Tuesday night.
www.cbsnews.com
September 3, 2025 at 4:56 PM
#RedForEd Fair contract for RFEA!
"'Fair wage is not just a matter of money, it's a matter of respect,’ one woman said. 'Let's work together to ensure that our teachers stay right here.’”
"'Fair wage is not just a matter of money, it's a matter of respect,’ one woman said. 'Let's work together to ensure that our teachers stay right here.’”
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
Hunger is one of the biggest barriers to learning. Yet Trump’s tax bill puts 18M kids at risk of losing school meals.
Read @neapresident.bsky.social Becky Pringle's TIME op-ed on why America must choose to feed its students ⬇️ https://time.com/7308619/trump-starve-public-schools/
Read @neapresident.bsky.social Becky Pringle's TIME op-ed on why America must choose to feed its students ⬇️ https://time.com/7308619/trump-starve-public-schools/
Trump’s Tax Bill Will Starve Public Schools. Kids are Next
An estimated 18 million kids could lose access to free school meals because of Trump's tax bill.
time.com
August 20, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Hunger is one of the biggest barriers to learning. Yet Trump’s tax bill puts 18M kids at risk of losing school meals.
Read @neapresident.bsky.social Becky Pringle's TIME op-ed on why America must choose to feed its students ⬇️ https://time.com/7308619/trump-starve-public-schools/
Read @neapresident.bsky.social Becky Pringle's TIME op-ed on why America must choose to feed its students ⬇️ https://time.com/7308619/trump-starve-public-schools/
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
@texastribune.org and @propublica.org found 60+ cases of nepotism & self-dealing at private schools. Now those same schools could get taxpayer dollars through vouchers. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/13/texas-vouchers-private-schools-conflicts/
Some Texas private schools hire relatives and enrich insiders. Soon they can do it with taxpayer money.
An investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found more than 60 instances of nepotism, self-dealing and conflicts of interest among 27 private schools that likely would have violated state law...
www.texastribune.org
August 22, 2025 at 7:56 PM
@texastribune.org and @propublica.org found 60+ cases of nepotism & self-dealing at private schools. Now those same schools could get taxpayer dollars through vouchers. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/13/texas-vouchers-private-schools-conflicts/
United we WIN! Whether you are new to organizing or want to brush up on the basics, join the IEA Organizing department for a training Aug. 28 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event...
Organizing 101 · Illinois Education Association
New to organizing? No worries! Join us and learn the basics you need to build and maintain strong locals!
www.mobilize.us
August 23, 2025 at 8:12 PM
United we WIN! Whether you are new to organizing or want to brush up on the basics, join the IEA Organizing department for a training Aug. 28 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event...
Solidarity with NUEA! Press release: ieanea.link/NUEAReachTA
August 22, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Solidarity with NUEA! Press release: ieanea.link/NUEAReachTA
With more than 100 unfilled para positions in U-46, admin is attempting to fill positions w/ a staffing agency. Why? Unfair pay & lack of respect. U-46 wages are not competitive with neighboring districts, including D300 & St. Charles. DUEA members packed the board meeting to demand real solutions.
August 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
With more than 100 unfilled para positions in U-46, admin is attempting to fill positions w/ a staffing agency. Why? Unfair pay & lack of respect. U-46 wages are not competitive with neighboring districts, including D300 & St. Charles. DUEA members packed the board meeting to demand real solutions.
Deadline approaching ⏰ IEA is launching a new leadership development retreat centered on the impacts of systemic racism, abolitionist teaching & culturally responsive classroom strategies. Join the Loveworks Joy & Justice retreat Oct. 10-12 in Springfield. Apply by Aug. 22: bit.ly/45pSuoK
LOVEWORKS Joy & Justice Leadership Development Retreat – Illinois Education Association
The LOVEWORKS: Joy & Justice Leadership Development Retreat is a transformative 3-day, in-person experience that invites IEA members to grow as equity-centered leaders. Designed primarily for emerging activists who are ready to foster their commitment to racial and social justice. Through deep reflection, historical context, and hands-on training, participants will explore the foundations of educational justice, abolitionist teaching, and culturally responsive pedagogy. They will also gain tools to lead equity-focused conversations in their classrooms, buildings, and broader communities, which will increase member engagement and activism to effect equity & excellence in public education.
bit.ly
August 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Deadline approaching ⏰ IEA is launching a new leadership development retreat centered on the impacts of systemic racism, abolitionist teaching & culturally responsive classroom strategies. Join the Loveworks Joy & Justice retreat Oct. 10-12 in Springfield. Apply by Aug. 22: bit.ly/45pSuoK
What’s the best advice you can give a new educator? Join your union! LEAD300 welcomed new hires and signed up new members at the D300 orientation meeting. Great work LEAD300!
August 7, 2025 at 12:47 AM
What’s the best advice you can give a new educator? Join your union! LEAD300 welcomed new hires and signed up new members at the D300 orientation meeting. Great work LEAD300!
#LaborDay is one of our favorite holidays. Leading up to Sept. 1, we’re sharing union wins. Members with Wood River EA signed an MOU with the district that gave ESPs a mid-year 26% raise and certified staff a 1% raise. This would not have been possible without ESP and certified staff solidarity.
August 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
#LaborDay is one of our favorite holidays. Leading up to Sept. 1, we’re sharing union wins. Members with Wood River EA signed an MOU with the district that gave ESPs a mid-year 26% raise and certified staff a 1% raise. This would not have been possible without ESP and certified staff solidarity.
August 1, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
Trump’s decision to cancel millions in federal grants (many already awarded) undermines higher education and silences critical research. Learn what’s at stake and how these cuts are affecting campuses across the country: bit.ly/44M7eOt
July 17, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Trump’s decision to cancel millions in federal grants (many already awarded) undermines higher education and silences critical research. Learn what’s at stake and how these cuts are affecting campuses across the country: bit.ly/44M7eOt
The Trump administration is trying to divide us, but we know the power of coming together. IEA is proud to support the #GoodTroubleLivesOn day of action on July 17.
Find an event near you: goodtroubleliveson.org/#attend
Let us know if you plan to attend! Email [email protected]
Find an event near you: goodtroubleliveson.org/#attend
Let us know if you plan to attend! Email [email protected]
July 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Trump administration is trying to divide us, but we know the power of coming together. IEA is proud to support the #GoodTroubleLivesOn day of action on July 17.
Find an event near you: goodtroubleliveson.org/#attend
Let us know if you plan to attend! Email [email protected]
Find an event near you: goodtroubleliveson.org/#attend
Let us know if you plan to attend! Email [email protected]
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
Withholding billions in promised federal education funding that students need—and states had planned to use to support children in their states—is a cruel betrayal of students, especially those who rely on critical support services.
"All-out betrayal": Trump halts nearly $7 billion in federal funding for schools
The loss of funds would affect summer and after-school programs and teacher training grants, among other things
buff.ly
July 5, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Withholding billions in promised federal education funding that students need—and states had planned to use to support children in their states—is a cruel betrayal of students, especially those who rely on critical support services.
BIG NEWS 🎉 IEA member Bill Farmer has been elected to the NEA Executive Committee! Congratulations, Bill Farmer!!!
July 7, 2025 at 3:57 PM
BIG NEWS 🎉 IEA member Bill Farmer has been elected to the NEA Executive Committee! Congratulations, Bill Farmer!!!
Reposted by Illinois Education Association
Ready to represent @ieanea.bsky.social at the @neatoday.bsky.social Representative Assembly!
July 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Ready to represent @ieanea.bsky.social at the @neatoday.bsky.social Representative Assembly!
80% of IL public schools are underfunded, yet the Trump administration is taking more than $200 million from our state and $6.8 billion away from students nationally. Every student deserves access to a high-quality public education. We will continue to advocate for fully funded public schools in IL.
Trump Tells States He's Holding Back $6.8 Billion for Schools
Schools nationwide won't see funding earmarked for English learners, migrant students, professional development, and more.
www.edweek.org
July 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
80% of IL public schools are underfunded, yet the Trump administration is taking more than $200 million from our state and $6.8 billion away from students nationally. Every student deserves access to a high-quality public education. We will continue to advocate for fully funded public schools in IL.