ROSEMONT – Today State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) was honored with the Illinois Education Association’s (IEA) Friend of Education award for his commitment to public schools in Illinois.
“Sen. Manar is a champion of public education and a tireless advocate for our students and schools,” said IEA President Kathi Griffin. “He is out in our communities listening to our educators and making sure their voices are heard at the Statehouse in Springfield. Because of his commitment to providing more for our students and schools, the Illinois legislature passed historic school funding reform. Manar continues to fight for legislation that will fix the teacher shortage crisis and will help ensure that every child has access to a high-quality public education no matter where they live.”
“I am humbled to receive this award from the IEA. It is my honor as a state senator to advocate every day for the things that matter to public education – fair school funding, eliminating the teacher shortage, boosting student success and drawing positive attention to educators who deserve respect and appreciation for the work they do. Thank you to the IEA for being a partner in those efforts,” Sen. Manar said.
Manar was nominated for the award by IEA member Karen Gall who teaches in Mount Olive. Gall presented Sen. Manar with the award at the IEA’s Representative Assembly (RA). The RA is the IEA’s largest gathering and is also the governing body of the IEA. This year it was held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont. There are 1,200 IEA delegates, guests and state dignitaries who attend the RA.
###
The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest education employee’s organization. IEA represents preK-12 teachers outside of the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.
